Knowing that the Nian family was not to be trifled with, Steward Li sent people to investigate thoroughly upon his return, and within a few days they had a lead.

"Chief Eunuch Li, the rumors first came from Jingren Palace!" a young eunuch whispered in Chief Eunuch Li's ear. Chief Eunuch Li was taken aback, frowned, and repeated, "From the Empress's palace?"

The young eunuch bowed and nodded, saying, "It's absolutely true, this servant has already investigated and confirmed it."

Chief Eunuch Li only wanted to remain secure in his position as the head of the Imperial Household Department, which was why he had no choice but to submit to Lady Nian. Now, the matter had been implicated in Jingren Palace, but the Empress was not a benevolent ruler, and the discord between the Empress and Lady Nian was already a fact in the palace. If he intervened in this matter, he feared that he would incur the Empress's wrath, leaving Chief Eunuch Li at a loss.

"Since it's difficult to explain to both sides, Chief Eunuch, you should inform the Imperial Concubine first and let her make her own decision!" The young eunuch stepped forward and said, seeing Chief Eunuch Li's predicament.

Chief Eunuch Li immediately went to Yikun Palace to report the news, barely managing to complete his task. Lady Nian had been worried about this matter for the past few days, and upon hearing that the rumor originated from the Empress's palace, she flew into a rage.

The next day, Lady Nian deliberately had Cuiling dress up for her and then went to Jingren Palace in a grand and bustling manner to pay her respects to the Empress.

At this time, several concubines had arrived at the Empress's palace. None of them expected Lady Nian to come at this time, and they all stood up to show their respect.

Lady Nian walked in with her head held high and a beaming smile. Several concubines bowed to her, saying, "Greetings to the Noble Consort..." Lady Nian didn't even look at them, casually raising her hand, and went directly to the Empress. She slightly squatted down and smiled, saying, "This concubine greets Her Majesty the Empress..."

The Empress remained seated, smiling as she said to Lady Nian, "Rise. My sister is unwell and has been ill for quite some time. She should rest properly in the palace. There's no need for such formalities..."

Lady Nian stood up, covered her mouth and laughed, "The Empress is right. I'm just afraid that if I rest in the palace for too long, others will think I'm easy to bully and will dare to hurl all sorts of foul words at me..."

As soon as Lady Nian spoke, the concubines began to gossip. The Empress looked displeased and secretly clenched her fist in her sleeve. She smiled and said, "What are you saying, sister? As a Noble Consort, who would dare to say a bad word about you?"

Lady Nian turned and sat to the Empress's lower right, smiling faintly at the Empress: "Your Majesty is right. I am not worried about these rumors, but as the head of the harem, if Your Majesty cannot control the mouths of your servants and these words reach the court, I fear some people will question Your Majesty's abilities..."

The Empress's face was extremely unpleasant. She suppressed her anger and forced a smile, saying, "Then I must thank the Noble Consort for her concern..."

Suddenly, Lady Nian's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "Your Majesty, why are there wrinkles at the corners of your eyes?"

The Empress was taken aback, and quickly raised her hand to cover herself, laughing awkwardly, "Really? There have been so many things going on in the palace lately, I'm afraid I haven't been getting enough rest!"

Several concubines couldn't help but lower their heads and chuckle, while Consort Nian smiled dismissively, saying, "No matter how busy Your Majesty the Empress is, you still need to take care of yourself..." As she spoke, she touched her face and said smugly, "For a woman, the most important thing is her appearance. Your Majesty the Empress can't neglect this..."

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone's attention was drawn to Lady Nian's face. They noticed that Lady Nian's skin was fair and delicate, a world apart from the Empress's. They immediately understood the sarcasm in Lady Nian's words, and seeing the Empress's embarrassment, they all chuckled.

The Empress was furious, but refrained from showing her anger out of pride. Seeing that she had achieved her goal, Lady Nian made up an excuse and left Jingren Palace triumphantly with her maids.