The group could only walk out dejectedly. They could hardly even catch a glimpse of the prince, so how could they possibly gain his favor?

Jiang Tian followed closely behind the others. She was always very quiet and reserved, and the other concubines did not consult her when discussing countermeasures.

She was one of the first people to follow Xiao Zijue, and at the age of twenty-nine, she had never been favored by him. In the eyes of others, she was naturally a pawn to be discarded.

No one interacted with her, and Jiang Tian didn't speak to anyone either. She returned to her small courtyard and closed the door.

While others might still want to try, she had long since given up on all hope.

The older concubine was no match for the young and beautiful girl, and her relationship with Xiao Zijue was not deep.

After thinking it over, it's better to pack your bags early and find a good place to stay a month from now.

While the other concubines feared being sold to brothels, Jiang Tian had no such worries.

No one likes a 29-year-old woman.

But she didn't want to get involved in the concubines' schemes, yet they immediately thought of her.

They hadn't seen the prince for months and planned to bring him some snacks and soup to his study, hoping to receive some of his affection.

But they weren't sure what the prince's attitude was towards them.

They saw the old lady far more often than they saw the prince.

If delivering food to the study angers the prince, it would be a double loss.

After some discussion, the concubines decided to find someone to take the lead and test the waters.

But no one wanted to be the first to act, for who knows if it would be an opportunity or a trap? They had no ambitions, and if it weren't for the old lady forcing them, they would be afraid to even see the prince.

He appeared gentle and mild-mannered, but one autumn night last year, he personally stabbed to death an assassin from another country.

The concubines were all present at the time, and several of them were so frightened that they went to fetch a doctor.

They certainly had feelings for the prince, but nothing compared to their desire to live.

After screening through the list of people, the concubines finally remembered Jiang Tian.

She's old, unremarkable in appearance, and has a plain personality, so being the first person in line is the best option for her.

Jiang Tian naturally didn't want to go. She wasn't stupid; she would rather be expelled from the government office.

But the concubines wouldn't let her off the hook. They sent their maids and servants to bother her every day, and they even conspired with the kitchen to cut back on her food. It seemed like they wouldn't give up until she came.

Jiang Tian couldn't sleep well for days, and finally couldn't take it anymore, so she agreed to their request.

She had known the prince longer than they had, and she had never broken the law, so the prince would certainly not kill her; she would only be reprimanded.

The pastries were made by Jiang Tian herself. The concubines didn't care what she sent; they just wanted to see the prince's attitude.

She carried the lunchbox, changed into her best clothes, and went to the study.

Her best outfit was made from fabric given to her by the old lady a few years ago. After so many years, even the best colors have faded and the clothes are old.

Her face wasn't particularly striking; if she hadn't revealed her identity, the guards at the gate would have thought she was some kind of maid.

When the announcement was made, Mo Chenyuan was in Xiao Zijue's study.

Recently, some ambitious people have started to stir again. It would be cheaper to stay in Xiao Zijue's study than in the palace.

Upon hearing the announcement, Xiao Zijue raised his head: "Concubine? Which concubine?"

"It's Aunt Jiang."

It took Xiao Zijue a long time to remember who she was.

His face turned cold: "Send her back. I'm not hungry."

However, the subordinate looked troubled: "Your Highness, the old lady recently specifically instructed us that if any concubines come to visit you, you must not turn them away. What do you think we should do?"

Thinking of his mother, who worried about his life's important matters every day, Xiao Zijue rubbed his temples.

Mo Chenyuan smiled and said, "Your mother meant well. At your age, your children should be studying the Analects of Confucius."

Xiao Zijue gave a wry smile: "You're joking with me too."

Outside the palace, the two did not address each other as ruler and subject. Mo Chenyuan had disguised himself, and at this moment he was just a close friend of Xiao Zijue.

"Your Highness..." his subordinate whispered a reminder.

Xiao Zijue had a fairly good impression of Jiang Tian; at least she was honest, quiet, and didn't cause trouble.

He thought for a moment, then said, "Let her in."

Jiang Tian was surprised to hear that Xiao Zijue had allowed her to go in.

She thought it was just a formality.

She quickly straightened her skirt and carefully walked in.

Xiao Zijue possesses an exceptionally handsome appearance, with extraordinary good looks and a refined and outstanding temperament.

Jiang Tian curtsied and greeted him: "This concubine greets Your Highness."

Mo Chenyuan was browsing through books in the adjacent cubicle when he heard that familiar voice, and he paused in his actions.

Xiao Zijue looked at Jiang Tian, ​​who had her hair styled in an old-fashioned bun and was dressed in worn-out clothes, and a flash of annoyance quickly crossed his eyes.

"Rise."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Jiang Tian could tell that the other person didn't care about her, so she handed the lunchbox in her hand to the servant next to her: "These are some snacks that I made."

Xiao Zijue didn't even look at her. He just grunted and asked, "Is there anything else?"

"It's nothing, Your Highness. Please take care of yourself. I'll take my leave now."

Jiang Tian wisely chose to take her leave.

Xiao Zijue didn't try to stop her, only giving a curt reply.

Only after Jiang Tian walked out the door did he breathe a sigh of relief.

After she left, Mo Chenyuan came out of the cubicle with a very complicated look in his eyes.

He glanced at Jiang Tian just now; she had an extremely plain appearance with nothing outstanding about her.

"Was that your concubine just now?"

Xiao Zijue was taken aback, not expecting Mo Chenyuan to be interested in his affairs in the inner quarters. He patiently explained, "She used to be my maid. My mother wanted to find someone to teach me, so she made her a concubine. I'm not interested in matters of love, so she lived in the back courtyard. Today, my mother must have forced her to come."

"I see."

Xiao Zijue frowned, wondering why the emperor would ask him such a question.

“Since everyone’s gone, let’s continue with what we were talking about,” Mo Chenyuan said.

Xiao Zijue immediately put his doubts aside and perked up.

After talking for another fifteen minutes, Mo Chenyuan's gaze fell on the unopened food box.

"Open the food box, and I'll also try the cooking of your family."

Xiao Zijue immediately opened it for him. To him, it made no difference whether it was sent by his concubine or by some kitchen.

Mo Chenyuan took a bite of the pastry; it was crispy and left a lingering fragrance on his lips and teeth.

"The people in your household have excellent cooking skills."

Xiao Zijue wasn't particularly interested in the snacks, and just smiled along.

The news that Jiang Tian had successfully left the pastries in the prince's study quickly reached the ears of the concubines.

Even though they didn't stay long before leaving, it was still much better than they had expected.

The concubines were all eager to try.

For Jiang Tian, ​​once she had fulfilled the requests of those concubines, the competition for favor was no longer her concern.

She was on edge, sweating profusely, and desperately needed a shower.