Time always flies when you're talking, and a hint of weariness inevitably appeared on Empress Xiaozhuang's face.

Seeing this, some quick-witted young ladies-in-waiting were about to get up and take their leave, hoping to leave the Empress Dowager with a good impression of being sensible, obedient, and perceptive.

"Wow, I didn't realize how much time has passed until I told you!"

The Empress Dowager smiled and sighed, then added that the flowers in the Imperial Garden were blooming beautifully. "The timing wasn't right this time. We should go and enjoy the scenery together next time we have the chance."

The Empress Dowager's words were met with a chorus of agreement from the young ladies-in-waiting, especially since they were practically making it clear that the Empress Dowager would invite them out again in the future.

Being able to meet the powerful figures in the harem a couple more times would leave a good impression and increase the chances of entering the palace or marrying into the royal family—it couldn't be better.

After chatting for a while, the group was escorted back by palace servants from Cining Palace.

Because the women from the Manchu and Mongol banners were not in the same palace, the two groups separated after leaving the Cining Palace.

The palace maid who led Xiuning and the other two back looked somewhat unfamiliar. After bowing, she kept her head down the whole time, and her steps were a little unsteady.

Seeing this, Xiu Ning seemed to be deep in thought, but Shu Mulu Yixuan spoke up, "Are you feeling unwell?"

The palace maid stopped and quickly bowed, her face showing a hint of pain. "Your Highness, I don't know why, but I have a stomachache."

"If you ladies aren't in a hurry, may I use the restroom for a moment?"

Although it was somewhat impolite to say such things, and would be offensive to Xiuning and the other two, the palace maid's pale face and the beads of sweat on her forehead suggested it was not fake.

The three looked at each other, and Dong E Jingxin nodded, "We're not in a hurry, you go first."

The palace maid looked grateful and said, "Thank you for your consideration, Princess. Please wait here. I will be right back."

After saying that, he disappeared in a flash.

Fortunately, they were dropped off in a good place, a passageway not far from the Imperial Garden. They could simply walk around the long corridor in front of it to return to Chuxiu Palace.

"Next time I can go to the Imperial Garden. I've been in the palace for a long time, but I've never seen what the Imperial Garden looks like."

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit dull, Dong E Jingxin tried to lighten the mood by talking.

"I've heard that the Imperial Garden is extremely beautiful, especially since it contains many masterpieces by famous artists."

This naturally refers to some flowers and plants. After Shu Mulu Yixuan finished speaking, she exclaimed, "It's really luxurious."

These objects would require careful care even at home, yet they are ubiquitous in the Imperial Garden. The wealth and luxury of the royal family cannot be explained in just a few words.

"My ladies, I am late. Please leave with me immediately."

A woman's voice suddenly rang out behind the three of them.

Xiuning turned around and saw a woman dressed as a palace maid standing in front of them.

"Huh? Where's the palace maid who led the way before? Why has it been replaced?"