They were all unfavored people, so why was Consort Li able to be so high and mighty?

Princess Tang was indignant, but she had finally been released from confinement and could wander around in the corners of Yuqing Palace. She couldn't let the Crown Prince confine her again.

Once or twice is acceptable, but not a third time. The moment of Empress Fucha's death was a sword hanging over their heads.

If it weren't for the lessons learned from the past, they would have tried every possible way to seduce the Crown Prince, even at the cost of their lives.

Therefore, although Tang Gege was annoyed by Consort Li's words, she still flattered her, saying, "Sister Li is right. There are too many people here, and I shouldn't have talked nonsense."

"You know that much. You are now dressed in fine clothes and fine food, wearing silk and satin. You should be content," Consort Li admonished.

“If Sister Li is content, how can I not be? Sister Li, we should go and say hello to Consort Tong.” Tang Gege was referring to Tong Wanyan, but she was looking at Jia Rong and He Shuo Gege.

Consort Li saw through her little scheme at a glance. She put her hand on her maid's hand, turned around and left without saying a word.

Tang Gege stood there, all alone, not understanding what she had done wrong.

She dared not call out to Consort Li loudly, so she could only stomp her feet and leave in anger.

After Tang Gege left, Consort Li emerged again from the small path around the corner.

Unlike Tang Gege and Fan Gege, she wasn't confined to a set circle. Within the inner courtyard of Yuqing Palace, except for areas occupied by the main figures, she was free to wander around as she pleased.

Aside from the attendants assigned by the Imperial Household Department, Consort Li, accompanied by her trusted palace maid Hua Qiao, strolled around casually.

"Consort Li, do you disagree with what Consort Tang said?" Hua Qiao asked while watching the road for Consort Li.

My wife is beautiful and talented, shrewd and from a good family. Why shouldn't she be favored by the Crown Prince?

The painting depicts Consort Li holding a grudge, feeling somewhat aggrieved.

Consort Li, whose heart had been calm for so long, gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Tell me, how should we fight for it?" Consort Li's eyes were as calm as an ancient well.

When Hua Qiao was asked the question, she swallowed hard, unsure how to answer.

Consort Li hadn't expected to hear her reply: "Men vie for power in the court, and women compete for favor in the harem after marriage; it's all in their nature. Especially in the palace, the struggle for human nature is most intensely stirred up, because not fighting means death."

“When I first entered Yuqing Palace, I was full of confidence that I could get a share of the pie from Consort Tong and occupy a place in the Prince’s heart. Even if I couldn’t compare to Consort Tong, I would still try to establish myself. But, as you have seen, what happened?” Consort Li said.

Hua Qiao shuddered involuntarily upon hearing this. The anger of Yinreng and the indifference to human life in his eyes at that time were still unforgettable to her.

"Now that things have calmed down in the backyard, the master has gradually forgotten about us and no longer sends people to warn us. But just watch, anyone who dares to defy the heavens and provoke Consort Tong again, or flaunt themselves in front of the master, will surely meet a dead end. The master is ruthless." Consort Li saw through it all.

“That is true, but is His Majesty willing to see the Crown Prince favoring Consort Tong alone?” Hua Qiao asked thoughtfully.

"So what if they don't want to? That's the Emperor and the Crown Prince's business; we can't do it ourselves. There's still a long road ahead, so let's just wait and see. If things change, fine; if not, your mistress still holds some power, doesn't she? That's the real benefit. Don't be so short-sighted and only care about the present." Consort Li patiently lectured her confidante.

Hua Qiao understood immediately. She looked up in sudden realization and admired Consort Li's calm and composed expression.

Consort Li's seemingly casual movements were always within the sight of Tong Wanyan, Jia Rong, and Princess Shuo.

There was no way Tong Wanyan and her group couldn't have missed such an obvious group of people.

Since they were bound to run into each other, Tong Wanyan asked Jia Rong and Princess Shuo what they thought, and then asked Chun Que to invite Consort Li over for a short visit.

Therefore, Hua Qiao became even more convinced of Consort Li's methods.

Not competing is the best form of competition; she chose the right person to follow.

"This concubine greets Princess Jia Rong and Consort Li," Consort Li said with a gentle bow.

Jia Rong and Princess Shuo nodded slightly with a touch of pride in return, and said in a slightly awkward voice, "This is Consort Li, virtuous and gentle. The Crown Prince is very fortunate."

After hearing this, Consort Li glanced at Tong Wanyan in a panic, lowered her head and said, "This concubine does not deserve such praise."

"Jia Rong is straightforward. She only praised you because she thinks you're good." Tong Wanyan held Jia Rong and Gege's hands, not caring that she had praised someone else.

Consort Li blushed slightly, seemingly embarrassed: "Consort Tong is the best. How can my humble self compare with the bright moon?"

Jia Rong and Princess Shuo are not talkative in front of outsiders. Her cheerful and easy-going personality is reserved for those she deems worthy.

Despite Consort Li's gentle and mild demeanor, Princess Jiarong and Princess Shuo are certain that she is not a cunning person.

Since we've invited them over, we can't just leave them hanging.

Tong Wanyan smiled at Consort Li and said, "Ever since the last heavy rain, it has gradually gotten cooler every day. Taking a stroll in the garden occasionally makes me feel better. Consort Li is usually very busy, so enjoying the flowers in your spare time helps you relax. The other day, the Master got some flowers from the foreigners, and I had some sent to you."

"That would be wonderful, thank you very much, Consort Li," Consort Li said happily.

Hua Qiao quickly and crisply replied, "This servant greets Consort Tong and Princess Heshuo. Our Consort Tong doesn't like to go out, saying she's afraid of bumping into important people. But the imperial physician who took her pulse last month said that Consort Tong is weak and should move around more."

Consort Li hadn't expected her to be so loose-lipped, saying whatever came to mind.

"What nonsense are you spouting? I'm just taking a walk. Kneel down and beg forgiveness from Consort Li and Princess Heshuo," Consort Li snapped at Hua Qiao.

Although Hua Qiao felt wronged, she still obediently knelt down.

"She cares about you after all, there's no need for this." Tong Wanyan looked at Hua Qiao kneeling on the ground, her expression as gentle as before. From beginning to end, the smile on her face never deepened or faded, like the most perfect mask.

Consort Li panicked: "Consort, please don't misunderstand. I have no ulterior motives. This girl is straightforward and outspoken. If it weren't for the fact that she has served me since childhood with such sincerity, I wouldn't have brought her into the palace."

"Why is Consort Li going through all this trouble to explain? Anyone who doesn't understand might think that Consort Tong and I are bullying you and your servant. Being outspoken isn't a bad thing, but being brainless is. Since Consort Li feels sorry for this servant, punish her with twenty strokes of the cane. The ten fingers are connected to the heart; once she feels the pain, she won't dare to speak recklessly in the future," said Consort Jiarong.

Consort Li was surprised by Jia Rong and Princess Shuo's righteous words. It is easy for sisters-in-law to quarrel, and few can get along sincerely.

She bit her lip, a grateful smile on her face: "Princess Heshuo is right. Huaqiao, go to Granny Ling and get your punishment yourself. Remember this from now on, be careful with your words and actions."