The palace was filled with joy. Consort Wenxi had been in high spirits these past few days, often going out for a stroll, asking the Emperor to bring her food and drink, or going to talk to the Empress Dowager. In short, she was everywhere.

Mingxiu listened to the news that everyone was discussing and asking about, which they found amusing, about where Consort Wenxi had gone today and where she was now. She didn't quite understand.

Is this a case of young people becoming arrogant and complacent after attaining high positions, or is it something that was intentionally done by others?

However, the palace hadn't been this lively in a long time, so Mingxiu just treated it as gossip. After the grand conferment of titles upon the six palaces, everyone was happy, but not very high-profile. This is when Consort Wenxi's high profile came into play.

However, at present, people do not have much ill will towards this Consort Wenxi. Although she had a high rank when she entered the palace, the emperor had already bestowed titles and rewards upon everyone because of her entry into the palace, so it is considered that she is still acceptable.

Mingxiu watched happily for a few days, and then it was time to pay her respects. They should have gone a few days ago, but because the Imperial Noble Consort had been unwell recently, their visit was cancelled.

When Mingxiu and Lüzhu strolled leisurely to Chengqian Palace, they saw Consort Wenxi, who had arrived in a grand procession, sitting not far away.

"Greetings, Consort Jia."

Mingxiu originally intended to go straight in, but upon hearing Consort Wenxi call her, she could only turn her head and look at the person alighting from the sedan chair with some confusion.

Consort Wenxi descended from above and looked at Mingxiu with a smile: "Hello, elder sister. I've actually wanted to visit you for a while, but I haven't had the time. We should have a good chat after the greetings are over."

Mingxiu smiled gently: "It's alright. Anyway, I have nothing to do in the palace. If I want to come, I can come anytime."

Although Mingxiu didn't know what path Consort Wenxi had taken, she had to admit that she was truly beautiful. She had an exotic look, perhaps because she had Hu (non-Han) ancestry. She had a small, delicate face, a high nose bridge, and deep-set eyes. It had to be said that Consort Wenxi's appearance was truly among the best in the harem.

Anyway, Mingxiu really liked this kind of appearance. Mingxiu's own appearance could not be described as stunning. She would be considered pretty in the outside world, but she would not stand out in the palace where beauties gathered.

However, because Mingxiu often drinks spiritual spring water, her body is free of impurities, her skin is well-nourished, and her face has no pores. She looks radiant and translucent, giving people a feeling of happiness and joy, so she looks very beautiful.

Mingxiu was still admiring the beauty of the person in front of her, never imagining how much trouble her polite remark would bring her later.

Of course, what happened next was unknown to Mingxiu. After exchanging a few words at the door, Mingxiu went in first. She was still the second below the Imperial Noble Consort, sitting on the left and right of Consort Wenxi.

Because she was delayed outside for a while, Mingxiu was a bit late when she came in. Just as she sat down, the Imperial Noble Consort came out.

Everyone hurriedly stood up and bowed. The Imperial Noble Consort looked at the two rows of people sitting below, but her face remained expressionless. She simply told everyone to sit down.

"Greetings, my sisters. I was ill for a while and didn't have time to congratulate you all. Now, congratulations on your promotions. Your treatment will be even better from now on."

"Your Majesty didn't thank me in person, but the gifts are quite numerous. You know, this is the way my sister likes to receive gifts. Your Majesty has truly touched my heart," Mingxiu said with a smile.

Hearing Mingxiu's playful words, everyone couldn't help but chime in: "Indeed, Your Majesty's gifts were all present and accounted for. I was so happy when I saw them." Consort Hui also chimed in from the side.

"That's right, that's right," everyone chimed in with smiles.

Everyone is in a good mood now, so naturally they are happy to say nice things.

The Imperial Noble Consort smiled at everyone and said, "You bunch of rascals, are you saying that I and the Emperor have mistreated you in the past?"

"How could that be? If we're talking about how lucky we are, it's probably because Your Highness holds power in the harem that we can live such comfortable lives," Consort Yi said with a smile.

After everyone praised the Imperial Noble Consort for a while, it was time to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager.

Mingxiu dismissed the rest of the people and took only those of the rank of Consort and above to the Empress Dowager's palace to pay their respects.

With so many people, it was impossible for everyone to walk, so everyone was in a sedan chair, and Mingxiu was no exception. Green Bamboo had already prepared her sedan chair outside.

Mingxiu glanced at Lüzhu, and only after seeing Lüzhu nod at her did she sit in her sedan chair.

It wasn't that she was being petty; it was just that she had watched too many palace dramas before, and coupled with the fact that she had been poisoned before, she couldn't afford to be careless.

The group was swaying and it was inconvenient to talk up there, so no one spoke. They soon arrived at Cining Palace.

Mingxiu followed the Imperial Noble Consort inside and immediately spotted Gun Gun accompanying the Empress Dowager. Mingxiu's eyes flickered, and she adjusted her expression before bowing and paying her respects to the others.

The Empress Dowager did not make things difficult for everyone; she simply said a few words and then dismissed them. However, Consort Wenxi was left behind.

Since her promotion, Consort Wenxi has been quite arrogant in the palace and frequently visits Kunning Palace. It is likely that she has established a connection with the Empress Dowager, so it is not surprising that she stayed here.

However, Mingxiu had it easy. When Consort Wenxi paid her respects, she said she wanted to visit Mingxiu's palace afterward. Mingxiu didn't refuse at the time, but regretted it later.

This is perfect now, the weather is just right, and Mingxiu doesn't want to go back to Yonghe, so she and Luzhu are going to walk back, which is her daily exercise.

When Consort Hui saw that Mingxiu was about to leave, she waved for the sedan chair to take her back, and then followed Mingxiu back with Liuying.

Mingxiu didn't say anything; it was good to have someone to talk to.

"Sister, let me tell you, I just made some spicy strips in my palace. They taste really good. I ate a lot of them yesterday. Do you want to come to my palace later and make some for me to try?"

Mingxiu enthusiastically recommended to Consort Hui that she had experimented with making spicy strips with different ingredients in the palace yesterday, and surprisingly, she actually made several different kinds, which tasted quite good.

Moreover, it's made with beef tendon noodles, so it's chewy and delicious.

Consort Hui glanced at Mingxiu: "Why didn't you send some of what you made before to my palace? If I hadn't been walking with you today, I'm afraid my sister wouldn't have remembered."

Mingxiu chuckled a little shyly, "Well, there's something to it. It was too late when I finished making it yesterday, so I didn't deliver it. I was thinking of telling you today when we meet."