Even the women from the Mongol banners could still distinguish between home and the outside world.

The Empress Dowager was just being polite; if you believed her words, you'd be a fool.

None of the people present were stupid. On the surface, they all smiled broadly after listening to the Empress Dowager's words, but no one knew what they were really thinking.

Many women were invited to the palace, and Dong E Jingxin was not the only one dressed in a flamboyant manner. But what was strange was that Dong E Jingxin had fair skin and wore sparkly clothes, making her stand out among the other women.

Thanks to Dong E Jingxin, Xiu Ning's presence was relatively low this time, and everyone's attention was not on her, which made her feel much more comfortable.

"Sister, you look absolutely gorgeous today."

Someone brought up the topic of Dong E Jingxin's makeup.

Xiuning took the opportunity to look over and found that although this person was wearing the same qipao as her, his skin was dark and the colors of his whole body were extremely bright and colorful.

Hmm, this combination makes this seemingly wild and beautiful woman look even uglier.

She was a concubine from the Mongol Banner; the Manchu and Han Banner women were not this dark-skinned.

Muttering to herself, Xiu Ning continued to observe the woman who was speaking without showing any emotion.

“Not at all, my sister is dressed very well and looks quite eye-catching,” Dong E Jingxin chimed in.

Because everyone's eyes were almost entirely focused on her, her voice became somewhat stiff. Although she maintained a smile, anyone could tell she was nervous.

With a slight sigh, Dong E Jingxin forced herself to remain calm, "The ladies present are all exceptionally beautiful. To be honest, if it weren't for the Empress Dowager's summons, I wouldn't have had the chance to see so many beauties all at once."

Look at what they said. There's nothing wrong with it, but it just sounds a bit awkward.

Xiuning noticed the facial reactions of the other women. Sure enough, some frowned slightly to show their dissatisfaction, while others remained calm and their thoughts were unreadable.

Even the young lady who had just spoken was a little unhappy. After all, "sister" and "younger sister" were just titles, but they were used in every sentence, which was unbearable for the proud Mongolians.

However, Dong E Jingxin did not realize this situation. After she finished speaking, she suddenly realized that this was an opportunity, and it seemed that she could use this opportunity to leave a good impression on the Empress Dowager.

With a slight glint in her eyes, Dong E Jingxin smiled and continued to flatter the Mongolian ladies-in-waiting present.

The words were all very nice, and at least the Empress Dowager's smile never faded, but the Mongolian girls being praised were not happy.

They've simply lived in Mongolia for a long time, unlike the Han and Manchu bannermen who are more subtle and manipulative. But they can still tell whether it's genuine praise or veiled criticism.

This kind of disbelief in nonsense based on their own aesthetic sense is even worse than calling them ugly.

"This lady, Princess Dong'e, please keep your words to a minimum. Let's just have some fun."

I am very self-aware and truly do not deserve Princess Dong'e's praise.

One of them suddenly interrupted Dong E Jingxin, speaking with a slightly sarcastic tone. After finishing, she gave a light snort, her expression extremely arrogant.

"You silly girl, Princess Dong'e meant well," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, then turned to Dong'e Jingxin and told her that the child was just being childish and shouldn't take it to heart.

Dong E Jingxin: ...

Dong E Jingxin dared not take it to heart; she forced a smile and pretended it was nothing.

Even though she was seething with hatred, she held onto the handkerchief tightly with both hands, unwilling to let go.

Such a bold move in the Cining Palace, and the Empress Dowager not only wasn't angry, but even helped to smooth things over. Wow, definitely a direct descendant of the imperial family!

Xiuning watched with great interest. Look, no matter what the rumors outside say, the Empress Dowager still favors her maternal family the most.

"The Empress Dowager has arrived!"

A voice announced from behind, startling the young ladies who quickly rose from their stools to greet the newcomer.

After everyone had paid their respects and greeted her, the Empress Dowager looked at the Empress Dowager who had taken her seat and said, "Why did you come here? Didn't you say you were going to rest well today?"

It's no wonder Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang asked that question. Before inviting these young women to the palace, she had sent someone to deliver a message to Shou Kang Palace.

The Empress Dowager herself said she couldn't come, but now she's made a special trip to come.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang frowned briefly before quickly relaxing her brow and shook her head slightly. Since the death of Emperor Shunzhi, she had become increasingly unable to understand her niece.

"Aunt, I originally planned to catch up on my sleep at Shou Kang Palace today."

But the timing was perfect, and I wasn't sleepy at all. Remembering that many young women had come to my aunt's house for the imperial concubine selection, I brought my people over to join in the fun.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was quite conflicted and helpless upon hearing this, saying, "It must be quite boring for you to be alone in Shou Kang Palace."

These young ladies are all exceptionally talented. Once they enter the palace, you can summon them frequently, which will save Shou Kang Palace from feeling deserted.

“Grandmother, it’s too much trouble,” the Empress Dowager waved her hand and said with a smile, “They are all beautiful young women. What’s the point of them coming to Shou Kang Palace to keep an old woman like me company?”

Upon hearing this, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang glanced at the Empress Dowager for no apparent reason. Although her expression remained unchanged, the atmosphere around her seemed to lighten.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang understood that the Empress Dowager still blamed her. If it weren't for her insistence, the Empress Dowager would never have had to enter the palace at such a young age to live a life of widowhood.

"Do whatever you think is right," Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang said, turning the conversation to the young ladies sitting on the round stools. In an instant, the hall became lively again.

The Empress Dowager picked up a teacup from the side, took a sip, and enthusiastically joined the conversation, occasionally making a witty remark that made everyone smile.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!