Chapter 242 Demand and Favorability

He Ling practically scrambled out of Consort Li's sight.

She only dared to stop when she was sure no one was chasing her, leaning against a big tree and panting heavily.

My heart was still pounding, and my calves were going weak, almost unable to support my weight.

【That scared me to death…】

Did I really just criticize Consort Li?

Oh my god, am I going crazy? Will she get revenge on me?

Fear belatedly surged up, making her feel cold all over and her teeth chatter uncontrollably.

"Ding! The host has successfully rejected Consort Li's request and maintained a good relationship with the target, Jiang Huan. Your courage is commendable. Please keep it up."

"Consort Li's threat level has been raised. It is recommended that the host reduce going out alone in the near future and stay in the vicinity of Jiang Huan to ensure safety."

The system notification sounded at the right time, carrying a hint of reassurance.

【Yes! Let's go find the Empress. She's so powerful, she can definitely protect me!】

Thinking of Jiang Huan, He Ling's fear subsided somewhat.

She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her wildly beating heart, straightened her clothes and hair, and strode quickly toward Weiyang Palace.

Shortly after He Ling left, two figures emerged from behind the artificial hill not far away.

It was Liu Shuyao and Wen Yilin.

Liu Shuyao was still dressed in an elegant moon-white dress, wrapped in a thick fox fur cloak. Her face was as pale as ever, and her eyes were calm.

Wen Yilin's makeup was exquisite, but at this moment she was pouting, her face full of disdain.

"Hmph, look at her like that." Her voice was sharp and full of sarcasm. "She's all flustered, like she's being chased by a ghost. She acted all high and mighty in front of Consort Li just now, but she's already rushing to curry favor with Consort Zhuang? Who is she trying to fool!"

She crossed her arms, glancing sideways in the direction He Ling had disappeared, and continued to mock, "She's really scheming. Isn't she just trying to cling to Consort Zhuang because she's currently favored, so she can climb the social ladder?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuyao frowned slightly.

“Be careful with your words. Consort Ling just rejected Consort Li with sincere words, which did not seem fake. It is only natural that she is on good terms with Consort Zhuang.”

"It's only human nature?" Wen Yilin raised her voice several decibels as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world.

"In this harem, which woman isn't scrambling to climb the social ladder? He Ling, all alone and helpless, only managed to win over Consort Zhuang's heart by feigning weakness."

The more she talked, the more convinced she was that her judgment was correct, and her tone became increasingly harsh.

"I think she's just pretending to be pitiful to gain sympathy and take the opportunity to get close to the Emperor. This kind of scheming woman is the most terrifying. Consort Zhuang, don't be fooled by her innocent appearance."

Looking at Wen Yilin's indignant expression, Liu Shuyao shook her head and remained silent.

He Ling jogged all the way and finally arrived at the gate of Weiyang Palace.

The palace maid guarding the gate recognized her and quickly bowed and greeted her: "Greetings, Consort Ling."

"Is Your Majesty here?" He Ling asked, panting.

"Yes, Her Majesty is in the palace talking with the Princess," the palace maid replied respectfully.

Princess? Princess Mingzhu is here too?

He Ling composed herself and quickly walked inside.

As soon as I stepped into the palace, a burst of clear laughter mixed with the soft barking of a baby came from inside.

Inside the spacious and brightly lit hall, Princess Mingzhu was squatting on the ground, holding a piece of dried meat and teasing a fluffy puppy.

The puppy was one of the litter of guard dog puppies that Jiang Huan raised, named Taxue.

At this moment, Taxue was jumping around Princess Mingzhu's hand, her little tail wagging like a windmill, trying to reach the jerky in her hand.

"Oh my, Ta Xue is so good! Here you go!" Princess Mingzhu was amused and giggled, breaking the jerky into small pieces to feed it.

Jiang Huan leaned against the soft couch by the window, smiling as she watched the heartwarming scene unfold before her.

Mingzhu rushed in in a panic, shouting about cakes and delicious food, which almost scared her to death.

If Shen Yi's message hadn't arrived right after, she would have called two Taoist priests to come and extract the pomelo leaves.

When He Ling saw Jiang Huan, her tense nerves instantly relaxed, and her eyes even felt a little hot.

[That's wonderful, seeing Your Majesty puts my mind at ease.]

She quickly stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness; greetings, Princess."

Jiang Huan turned her head and saw that He Ling's expression was not good, and her eyes flickered slightly.

"You've arrived? Please have a seat. Xiao Zhao, serve tea to Consort Ling."

He Ling sat down beside her as instructed, and took the hot tea that Xiao Zhao handed her. The warm touch made her cold fingers feel a little warmer.

It's so much better here; it's warm and safe.

[To hell with Consort Li!]

Jiang Huan saw that He Ling's expression had clearly relaxed, and she understood.

This poor thing, it's probably been frightened by Consort Li.

However, judging from her posture, she wasn't injured; on the contrary, she has improved quite a bit.

Jiang Huan muttered to herself, but remained outwardly calm. She waited until Princess Mingzhu was taken by the palace servants to watch the other puppies play, and only she and He Ling were left in the hall before putting down the melon seeds in her hand and clapping her hands.

She looked at He Ling and asked, "How many favor points have we accumulated so far? How much are we still short of exchanging seeds?"

He Ling immediately called out to the system in her mind: [System! Quick! Report the favorability rating!]

The system's electronic voice sounded smoothly: "Ding, current favorability value: 35, favorability value required to exchange for seeds: 75 points."

He Ling quickly told Jiang Huan, "Your Majesty, it's still 35 points."

Jiang Huan nodded: "As expected."

She tapped her finger on the table, getting to the point.

"System, your shop has more than just seeds, right? Are there even more amazing items later on? Do you have any potions that can improve one's health? Or pills that can help one live longer?"

He Ling's heart skipped a beat when Jiang Huan asked her directly, and she nodded subconsciously.

"Yes! Yes!" She quickly urged the system in her mind: [System! Quick! Tell the Empress about some high-end goods!]

The system was silent for a moment, then spoke.

"Gene Optimization Fluid (Basic): Improves physical condition, eliminates hidden ailments, and slightly enhances bodily functions. Required affinity points for exchange: 500."

"Gene Optimization Fluid (Intermediate): Significantly enhances various physical attributes and slows down aging. Required affinity points for exchange: 1000."

"Life Essence (Basic): Extends lifespan by 10-20 years. Required affinity points: 5000."

"Rule Disruptor (One-Time Use): Can briefly interfere with the operation of world rules within a very small range. Required affinity points to exchange: 10,000."

"..."

He Ling looked at the string of zeros that followed and felt dizzy.

[It'll take forever to save this up!]

After listening, Jiang Huan remained silent for a few seconds.

Wow, that's a really high bar.

But...

She raised her head, a meaningful smile curving her lips.

“He Ling, do you see? This system, and the world rules behind it, although they have set up an insurmountable barrier for us, they have also given us a key, a key that can pry open the rules themselves.”