The task of collecting dew at the hour of Yin was assigned to several third-class palace maids in Yikun Palace. A few days later, the beauty ointment that Baizhi had mentioned was finally completed. Nian applied it twice a day, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

In less than half a month, Ms. Nian's complexion was much better than before. Her skin was not only fair and clear but also rosy, and she looked much more energetic.

The Nian family was pleased and rewarded Bai Zhi with a considerable amount of silver.

"I was able to recover my appearance so quickly thanks to you. Please continue to make these beauty ointments for me in the future..." Lady Nian stroked her cheek and said with satisfaction.

Bai Zhi was flattered and grateful, saying, "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. It's all what I should do. I'm willing to do anything to make Your Highness happy."

At this moment, Bai Zhi brought over the new clothes sent from the embroidery workshop and showed them to Lady Nian: "Your Majesty, look, these are the new clothes you ordered the embroidery workshop to make last time. They are all the latest styles and colors, and they suit Your Majesty perfectly..."

When Nian saw that it was a bright red peony, she nodded in satisfaction. She reached out and touched the fabric, exclaiming, "It is indeed the finest fabric; it feels so smooth and silky."

Bai Zhi smiled and put down the tray, picked up the clothes and handed them to Madam Nian, advising, "Your Highness, the sun is shining brightly today and the air is fresh. Why don't you change into your new clothes and I'll accompany you for a walk?"

Lady Nian was slightly taken aback, thinking that she had been ill ever since Hongfu left. In fact, she had not stepped out of Yikun Palace even once in all these days.

“Alright…it’s time to go out for a walk…” Bai Zhi was delighted and quickly dressed up Nian Shi.

Bai Zhi and Cui Ling accompanied Nian Shi all the way to the Imperial Garden. Looking at the garden full of flowers and greenery, Nian Shi's gloomy mood brightened up. Smelling the fragrance of flowers, she walked slower and slower.

"Your Highness, look how beautifully the flowers are blooming here..." Cui Ling carried a flower basket and picked some fresh flowers for Nian Shi, preparing to make a flower pillow for her. Bai Zhi helped Nian Shi to admire the flowers, and everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.

Suddenly, Ms. Nian walked behind the bushes and heard a woman's voice coming from behind her. Ms. Nian didn't think much of it at first, but when she suddenly heard her own name, she involuntarily stopped and listened carefully.

"I heard that the Imperial Concubine of Yikun Palace has been in much better spirits these days..."

"What good is it if she's so good? The palace is about to hold a selection of beauties, and there will be many more beautiful young women entering the palace. At that time, the emperor probably won't be able to take them all in, and he won't even remember the Consort of Yikun Palace..."

Lady Nian was stunned, too angry to speak. Bai Zhi tried to step forward to stop her, but Lady Nian gestured for her to stop. The two palace maids responsible for cleaning the imperial garden were completely unaware of Lady Nian's arrival and continued chatting and laughing.

"Our Emperor's harem has far too few concubines. We should have selected some beautiful and young women to fill the harem long ago..."

"That's right. The Emperor doesn't have many children. Both of Consort Nian's sons have passed away. He can't deny newcomers a chance... Besides, she's already aged, so it'll be difficult for her to regain the Emperor's favor..."

Another maidservant chuckled and shoved, teasing, "Do you perhaps wish to gain the Emperor's favor... and rise to a high position like a phoenix...?"

"What are you talking about? I didn't... Don't make things up..."

"Weren't you just worried about the Emperor's lack of offspring? If you can find a way to seduce the Emperor, it's not impossible to have a royal heir..."

After saying that, she blushed and chased after him...