Tong Jiarongyue sat in the first chair on the right, directly opposite Consort Shu.

No one questioned her position. After all, among the high-ranking concubines in the harem, only Consort Shu was high-ranking. Consort Shu had a title and entered the palace earlier, so she was definitely more noble than Tong Jia Rongyue.

As Tong Jiarong took her seat, the once quiet hall became lively again.

Everyone lowered their heads and huddled together in twos and threes, talking quietly.

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived!"

"This humble concubine/your subject greets Her Majesty the Empress, wishing her boundless blessings and peace."

"No need for formalities, please be seated."

Hesheli Fangyi, dressed in a bright red peony-patterned qipao, walked to the main seat with a smile on her face, her hand resting on Tan Yun.

With the arrival of the Empress, everyone's attention began to shift to Tong Jia Rongyue, who was standing to the side.

Today is Tong Jia Rongyue's first official appearance. Oh dear, I hope nothing bad will happen to these people.

Whether it's anticipation or something else, everyone feels a little excited.

Tong Jia Rongyue did not disappoint. She calmly rose from her chair, walked to the center of the room, and bowed to the Empress, saying, "Your Majesty, Tong Jia Rongyue of Jingren Palace greets Your Majesty."

As mentioned before, Tong Jia Rongyue is a cold beauty. When she doesn't smile, she gives off an unapproachable aura, which also makes people feel that the other person looks down on them.

At this moment, Tong Jia Rongyue's expression was indifferent. Although her bow and greeting were standard, they did not show any respect. Such actions and postures instantly displeased the Empress.

Thinking that the other party had not come to pay their respects for three consecutive days, Hesheli Fangyi frowned inwardly.

"My sister has just entered the palace, and I'm afraid she must be having a hard time serving the Emperor these past few days."

I originally thought we'd have a good chat since we're all sisters, but it turns out we're only meeting for the first time now.

The Empress smiled slightly, though it was a smile that didn't reach her eyes, but she still looked very kind. However, the meaning behind her words sounded a little strange.

Xiuning thought to herself that the Empress might be trying to put pressure on the other party.

Tong Jia Rongyue understood that by not paying her respects for three days, she was challenging the Empress's authority. However, her purpose in entering the palace was to become the Empress. Should she be expected to defer to the Empress?

With a slight curtsy, Tong Jia Rongyue replied, "Serving the Emperor is the duty of a concubine, and I do not find it arduous."

"Your Majesty's words I will certainly obey, but I have unintentionally missed the three days' scheduled greetings. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

Hesheli Fangyi: ...

"What are you saying, sister? How could I possibly take offense?"

Hesheli Fangyi's smile deepened, especially the intense emotion in her eyes, "His Majesty is considerate of my sister's first time serving him and has excused her from paying her respects for a few days due to her illness. My sister is right to listen to His Majesty's words."

Hmm, not bad? But the tone of voice doesn't quite sound right.

Xiu Ning thought to herself, her eyes constantly glancing at the Empress sitting in the main seat. The Consort Shu beside her did the same, watching the spectacle without saying a word, completely gloating.

"Oh dear, I've said so much. Look at my memory, I forgot that my sister is still bowing. Please get up first," Hesheli Fangyi waved her hand and then turned to Tanyun beside her. "I should have sent the reward to my sister earlier these past few days, but I haven't had a suitable opportunity. I'll take this opportunity to make up for it today. I hope my sister won't find it offensive."

As they were talking, Tan Yun returned, carrying a tray with a beautiful jade ruyi on it.

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

The jade ruyi has a good meaning, and apart from being a bit small, it's quite suitable to take out right now.

Tong Jia Rongyue bowed to the Empress and gestured for the palace maid behind her to take it from her.

After the two finished the process of bestowing rewards, the Empress continued with polite words, "Now that my sister has entered the palace, we are sisters."

Let me make this clear from the start: my sister has already learned the palace rules, so I won't go into detail.

Moreover, as a concubine, her primary task was to serve the emperor well and ensure the continuation of the royal family's lineage.

These words are not only for my younger sister, but all the other sisters should also keep in mind and devote all their energy to the right path.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will follow Your Majesty's instructions."

Everyone stood up in unison to express their agreement, but being obedient on the surface was one thing, and actually keeping their word was another.

The Empress herself cannot even live up to these words, so why should she hypocritically demand them of others?

Then, everyone greeted Tong Jia Rongyue, the newly appointed concubine, in a cheerful and harmonious manner.

Tong Jia Rongyue was also very generous, giving each person present at least three gifts, including gold hairpins, silver hairpins, jade bracelets, and so on, all of which were exquisite.

Xiu Ning looked at the three items that Chun Yu had taken from her, and thought to herself how generous Tong Jia Rong Yue was. The Empress, who had just looked so nice, was now looking ugly again.

After giving her gifts, Tong Jia Rongyue asked to visit Cining Palace, but the Empress refused, saying that the Empress Dowager was busy with Buddhist worship.

"Sister, you may not know this, but the Empress Dowager has not been summoning us sisters much lately. If you wish to visit her, perhaps you should wait a few more days."

Tong Jia Rongyue nodded upon hearing this, "Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty. I understand."

"Alright, that concludes today's greetings."

"This concubine/your humble servant respectfully sees off Her Majesty the Empress."

Xiu Ning held Chun Yu's hand and watched Consort Shu and Consort Tong leave one after the other before hurrying to follow.

"Sigh, today was really boring. I thought something was going to happen, especially since even Consort Shu came."

Good heavens, Consort Shu was just a background character the whole time, barely exchanging more than a few words with Consort Tong, and just watching Consort Tong and the Empress exchange subtle veiled remarks.

"Life in the harem is so monotonous every day, there aren't many interesting things to do."

Without turning around, Xiu Ning knew who was speaking. She smiled and looked ahead, "Consort Nara should be more careful when she walks. Her flowerpot-bottomed embroidered shoes are still too high."

Consort Nara: ……

Xiu Ning scoffed. She hated people who always wanted to come over and chat idly. They had nothing better to do than stare at others and say it was boring. Well, she would just jump out and add some fun herself.

Regardless of the sudden change in Consort Nara's expression, Xiu Ning left directly. This time, instead of returning to the palace, she took a detour and went straight to Shou Kang Palace.

When she arrived, the Empress Dowager was teasing Ning Chuge, who had just woken up.

Upon seeing Xiu Ning enter, the Empress Dowager waved her hand, a clear smile playing on her lips, "You've come at the perfect time. Our Ning Chuge has already learned to move around."

Kids are always a bit restless.

Ning Chuge is a child who doesn't like to cry, but she likes having someone play with her.

Since the birth of this child at Shou Kang Palace, the Empress Dowager's daily life has become much more interesting. Whenever Xiu Ning comes over, the Empress Dowager's favorite topic to talk about is Ning Chu Ge.