In Yikun Palace, Consort Nian lay alone on a chaise longue, her eyes closed as she rested, while an incense burner on the table burned incense.

The incense smoke curls upwards, carrying a delicate fragrance, rising straight up and dispersing like mist.

Cui Ling cautiously stepped forward and reached out her hand, causing the smoke to dissipate and lose its shape.

Consort Nian quickly noticed someone by her side and asked leisurely, "You're back? How did the matter I asked you to inquire about go?"

Cui Ling hesitated for a moment before replying, "His Majesty either visits the Empress or rests in Consort Xi's Changchun Palace..."

Consort Nian slapped the back of the chair, startling Bai Zhi, who dared not utter another sound.

Consort Nian sat up, her face full of jealousy, and said, "It's Consort Xi again. Why is it always Consort Xi? The Emperor has already spent half of this month with Consort Xi. He hasn't even lingered here with me..."

Cui Ling, trembling, tried to comfort her: "Perhaps Your Majesty wasn't feeling well last time, and the Emperor didn't come because of your health. Your Majesty needn't worry, the Emperor will definitely come to visit you..."

Consort Nian gave a bitter smile: "It's all self-deceiving nonsense..."

Consort Nian stood up and paced around the room, muttering to herself, "This can't go on. I have to think of a way..."

"By the way, go and summon Lady Ji to me. Tell her I have something important to discuss with her, and don't disturb anyone else..." Lady Nian instructed Cui Ling.

Lady Ji was of low rank, only being granted the title of Changzai by the Fourth Prince. She lived in a side hall of Zhongcui Palace. Because of her low status, she was constantly trampled on and bullied. Consort Nian took advantage of this situation, which is why she wanted to summon Lady Ji.

Lady Ji was unaware of Consort Nian's purpose and dared not refuse, so she had no choice but to follow Cui Ling to Yikun Palace.

She was immediately drawn to the luxurious decorations of Yikun Palace as soon as she entered, and secretly felt envious.

Upon seeing Consort Nian's dignified and elegant demeanor, Lady Ji quickly said, "Greetings, Your Highness, Consort..."

Seeing Ji's stunned expression, Consort Nian knew that such a person was the easiest to manipulate. Feigning enthusiasm, she stepped down and personally helped Ji up, saying with a smile, "Sister, there's no need for such formalities, please rise quickly..."

Lady Ji was flattered and said shyly, "Your Highness is radiant and has a noble appearance. I am truly amazed. Only after visiting Yikun Palace today did I realize that Your Highness is favored by the Emperor. You are truly extraordinary."

The Imperial Concubine Nian was amused by Lady Ji's sweet words and covered her face with a smile, saying, "Sister, you have such a sweet tongue, and you are also exquisitely beautiful. I liked you at first sight..."

Lady Ji was overjoyed and bowed to Consort Nian: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but I am truly unworthy of it..."

Consort Nian deliberately scolded, brushing away Lady Ji's hand: "What I said is all true, but you've always lived in the side hall of Zhongcui Palace... so we rarely see each other, which is why I haven't had a chance to speak with you, sister. Today, thinking you might have some free time, I specially had someone invite you over..."

When Lady Ji heard that the side hall of Zhongcui Palace was there, her face turned pale, but she dared not show it. She could only smile and say, "Your Highness is already very busy, yet you still remember that I live in the side hall. I am truly ashamed."

Consort Nian pulled Lady Ji down to sit, and said with a smile, "What 'Consort'? That's too much of a mouthful... I'm not much older than you, so just call me 'elder sister'..."

After speaking, she ordered the palace maids to serve tea and snacks. The maids brought out various fresh fruits and special snacks, which Ji Shi was overwhelmed with.

Consort Nian glanced at Lady Ji staring at the accessories on the palace maid's head, secretly mocking her, but then rolled her eyes and put on a smile.

She took a golden peacock hairpin from her own head and carefully placed it on Lady Ji's head.

Ji was taken aback and hurriedly went to retrieve it.

Consort Nian stopped her with her hand, saying, "I didn't prepare any gift for today. Please accept this hairpin as a small token of our greeting, sister..."

Only then did Madam Ji release her grip, gazing at the hairpin with a secret delight in her eyes: "Then...then I...thank you very much, elder sister..."

"That's right..."