The reason why the concubines in the palace liked to visit each other was simply because they were bored.

Everything was done according to the rules; one could not laugh loudly or cry loudly. A perfectly healthy and vibrant person lived like a bodhisattva.

The backyard of Yuqing Palace was peaceful, devoid of the fierce battles and fires of earlier years, leaving Tong Wanyan feeling listless.

Fortunately, there was also the Eighth Prince's Consort in the palace, who kept things lively and always made him forget to hit her.

After a few days of leisure, Tong Wanyan bumped into the Eighth Prince's wife while strolling in the Imperial Garden.

"I've heard that the concubine's courtyard has been filled with music and revelry these past few days. Princess Guren Shuhui has been dead for less than a month, and the concubine's indulgence in such pleasures seems to violate filial piety, doesn't it?"

“Except for the New Year’s Eve banquet, my master has been eating vegetarian food every day lately, doing his best as a junior.” The Eighth Prince’s wife truly loves Yinzhi deeply, and she can’t stop talking about him.

Tong Wanyan nodded perfunctorily, not wanting to pay any attention to her.

In terms of status, she was the Crown Prince's first secondary consort, the wife of the heir apparent, which was higher than that of the Eighth Prince's primary consort, the Prince's wife.

In terms of seniority, she was a daughter-in-law recognized by Emperor Kangxi and the sister-in-law of the Eighth Prince's wife.

In any case, Tong Wanyan could disregard the Eighth Prince's wife.

There's no need to worry about the Eighth Prince's wife complaining that she's not polite. Shi Xiuzhu will handle the matters of being virtuous and courteous. The Crown Princess only needs to be kind, gentle, dignified, and generous.

Tong Wanyan didn't want to talk to the Eighth Prince's wife, but the Eighth Prince's wife wouldn't let her get away with it.

"Is this how arrogant a secondary consort is? As expected of a princess, even though she's been made a secondary consort, she's still just a concubine," the Eighth Consort said sarcastically.

I don't know where she gets such hostility towards concubines; whenever she sees a concubine, she wants to flaunt her noble position as the principal wife.

Tong Wanyan was slightly taller than the Eighth Prince's wife by half a head. Her long-standing position and imposing presence put considerable pressure on the Eighth Prince's wife when she looked down at her.

For some reason, the Eighth Prince's wife saw the Crown Prince's shadow on Tong Wanyan's smiling face.

Their mannerisms are even more similar to those of their master.

"Eighth sister-in-law, you haven't bowed to me yet, have you? Didn't the Imperial Concubine's reprimand last time teach you a lesson?" Tong Wanyan's beautiful face was adorned with a smile, yet her expression was oppressive.

"As a member of the royal family, one should be mindful of the rules in every word and deed, and not overstep the bounds of propriety. Eighth sister-in-law's spoiled behavior in her boudoir should not be brought into the palace, as it corrupts the atmosphere," Tong Wanyan rebuked sharply.

The Eighth Prince's wife blushed and paled in turns, and she said angrily, "My manners were taught by the Noble Consort, what does it have to do with the Second Prince's wife?"

"Unfortunately, I have the Emperor's trust, and I also have the power to assist in managing the inner palace. Even if Eighth Sister-in-law is unwilling, I can still reprimand you," Tong Wanyan said slowly and deliberately.

Her slightly raised eyebrows and calm tone made the fierce and aggressive Eighth Prince's wife appear even weaker.

"This is not fair," the Eighth Prince's wife said angrily.

Tong Wanyan stared at her, remaining silent, which made the Eighth Prince's wife feel guilty.

"Did I say something wrong? The harem is already managed by the Imperial Concubine and the Crown Princess. The Consort is just a concubine of the Crown Prince. What right does she have to wield power in the palace? Concubines are nothing more than playthings to please men and have fun. They are not worthy of being mentioned in the official documents."

"Furthermore, the concubine disrespected her elders by playing music and enjoying dances during Princess Gulun Shuhui's mourning period, which is morally corrupt and she should be punished."

The Eighth Prince's wife thought her words were all piercing to the heart, but little did she know that Tong Wanyan was completely unaffected.

"If the Eighth Princess Consort has any dissatisfaction with my management of the six palaces, she may speak to the Emperor. As for today's matter, I will report it to the Empress Dowager. I wish the Eighth Princess Consort good luck in advance." Tong Wanyan had no intention of lowering herself to explain to the Eighth Princess Consort.

They're so ungrateful! They call her "eighth brother's wife" and think she's naturally good-natured and can be bullied by anyone?

Even the arrogant Yinreng had to obey Tong Wanyan in everything he did, let alone a mere prince's wife.