Looking at Consort Yu bowing to her, Jian Yang teased, "I wonder what wind blew today, bringing Consort Yu here. It's quite rare."

Yu Fei gritted her teeth. Normally, she would have definitely retorted to Jian Yang's sarcastic remarks.

But now that she is seeking an alliance, she cannot act on impulse.

"Your Majesty, please don't tease my sister. I have come today to discuss important matters with you," Consort Yu said with a kind smile.

Oh, you're not angry?

Jian Yang looked at her with a curious expression. "What is it?"

Seeing that the Empress neither offered her a seat nor served her tea, Consort Yu suppressed her anger and said calmly:

"Your Majesty, it is not appropriate for an outsider like me to say such things. Although you and Consort Fei are sisters, Consort Fei's power is growing day by day. Can you really swallow this insult?"

Why can't I swallow this?

She eats and drinks as usual every day, and never takes anything to heart.

Even if Jian Fei causes a ruckus, as long as she doesn't act up under her nose, it's none of her business.

She was just an ordinary working woman.

She had absolutely no interest in the whole "fighting for men" thing.

"Your Majesty," Consort Yu persisted, "Consort Fei is domineering and jealous. She stirs up trouble in the harem, making everyone's life miserable. Aren't you going to do anything about it?"

Jian Yang smiled and said, "Judging from what Consort Yu is saying, you were bullied by Consort Fei, so you've come to me to seek justice?"

Upon hearing this, Consort Yu's face fell.

She has always been arrogant and haughty, and even when facing Empress Jian Yang, she never bowed her head.

But if people find out that she was humiliated by Jian Fei, how will she survive in the harem in the future?

"Your Majesty has misunderstood." Jian Fei's eyes turned cold. "I simply cannot bear to see Consort Fei committing insubordination. I informed Your Majesty in advance in the hope that Your Majesty could take precautions as soon as possible."

Why should I plan ahead?

"Your Majesty, if Consort Fei dares to stir up trouble in the harem today, she might covet your position as Empress one day. Shouldn't we be prepared for this?"

That's it?

I thought it was something really big.

Jian Yang showed little interest. "If she has that ability, what's wrong with giving her the Empress's position?"

As she spoke, she glanced at Consort Yu.

Instead of wasting time trying to sow discord with her, you should be vying for the emperor's favor.

If any of the concubines in the harem had any backbone, that idiot Jian Fei wouldn't have gotten the favor!

Consort Yu was puzzled by Jian Yang's gaze.

Why did she feel that the look in his eyes wasn't like a complaint, but more like a disappointment?

Just then, Lianxia came running in carrying a food box.

After bowing to Consort Chaoyu, she said gracefully, "Your Majesty, the lava egg yolk pastry is ready."

Upon hearing this, Jian Yang's eyes, which had been somewhat drowsy, suddenly lit up.

"Was it successful this time?"

Lianxia nodded excitedly: "I just broke one open in the kitchen and saw that the filling was made very well!"

As she spoke, she placed the food box on the table and then opened the lid.

In an instant, the whole room was filled with a rich milky aroma.

Looking inside the food box, there were eight round, bright yellow, and tempting pastries that made one's mouth water just by looking at them.

Even Consort Yu, who was used to eating delicacies, couldn't stop salivating under the stimulation of this aroma.

But she showed no sign of it on her face, and even revealed a hint of disdain.

She is a noblewoman from a high-ranking family; how could she openly reveal her gluttonous desires?

Suddenly, Jian Yang exclaimed, "Lianxia, ​​didn't I tell you to remember to sprinkle sesame seeds after brushing on the egg yolk?"

Lianxia's face turned pale instantly, and she hurriedly admitted her mistake: "Your Majesty, it's all because I have a bad memory. I forgot your instructions. I deserve to die."

"Alright, it's not a big deal. Stop saying 'damned' and 'damned' all the time."

"I understand."

"However, although these sesame seeds are small, they are very useful, whether for garnishing or adding aroma. Don't forget them next time."

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, this servant will definitely not do it again next time."

Then, Consort Yu heard Jian Yang begin to talk at length about cooking and baking knowledge with her maid.

Later on, they simply ignored her completely.

Concubine Jade: "..."

She hated it so much.

Why is this woman so preoccupied with food that she is completely oblivious to the impending crisis?

How could someone so vulgar and foolish become an empress?

Why is God so unfair to her?

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and Yufei suddenly stood up.

"Since Your Majesty has other important matters to attend to, then I shall take my leave."

Jian Yang, looking relaxed, took a moment to say, "Everyone who sees it gets a share. Since you're here, take a few egg yolk pastries back and have some to try."

Consort Yu gritted her teeth: "No need, Empress, keep it for yourself!"

After saying that, she left without looking back.

"Your Highness, was Consort Yu angry just now?"

Jian Yang shrugged: "Who knows?"

After speaking, she picked up a slightly hot egg yolk pastry and took a small bite.

The outer crust is crispy and fragrant, the mochi is soft and chewy, the red bean paste layer is sweet, and the salted egg yolk inside is salty and savory.

She nodded in satisfaction.

It seems her skills are as good as ever.

"One is enough for me. You can take it and share it with everyone."

"yes!"

Lianxia's joy was palpable.

Fortunately, Consort Yu didn't know the value of the food, otherwise they wouldn't have had this good fortune!

Just as she closed the lid of the food box, another eunuch ran in to announce her arrival.

"Your Majesty, Consort Fei has arrived."

Jian Yang couldn't help but laugh: "What's going on today? One after another, they're all running over here. Let her in."

She wanted to see what kind of trouble her dear sister was up to.

A moment later, Jian Fei, adorned with jewels, entered, supported by her maid.

Especially the gold and gemstone headdress.

It looks big and heavy, weighing at least ten pounds.

Jian Yang immediately became worried about her cervical spine health.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to the Empress." Jian Fei gave her a half-bow with an air of importance.

Jian Yang raised an eyebrow.

She never cared about these formalities, and even found them a bit annoying.

According to the rules, when concubines pay their respects to her, they must perform the full ceremony!

Jian Fei, however, took it upon herself to perform a half-bow.

This is clearly an attempt to cause trouble.

Seeing that Jian Yang didn't intend for her to sit down, Jian Fei gently adjusted the phoenix hairpin in her hair and smiled, "Sister, could you please give me a seat? The jewels bestowed by the Emperor are quite heavy, and I can't stand for long."

"Please have a seat and serve tea," Jian Yang instructed calmly.

Soon, Lianxia brought over two cups of tea.

Jian Fei gracefully picked up the teacup, but as soon as she lifted the lid, her face showed disdain. "Sister, the quality of this tea isn't very good."

"Oh, really?" Jian Yang smiled as she spoke. "These were all bestowed by His Majesty. I rarely drink tea on ordinary days."

Jian Fei feigned regret, saying, "Alas, it seems the Emperor gave me all the pre-Qingming Longjing tea that was presented as tribute from Jiangnan this year, leaving my sister without any good tea to drink."