"The Empress Dowager is so wise that Consort Suo Zhuolun's schemes are no match for her. Just wait and see! It won't be long before the Empress Dowager can't stand it anymore and kicks her out."

Consort Wanliuha and Consort Wang lived together in Yonghe Palace. Consort Wanliuha was always overshadowed by Consort Wuya. However, when Consort Wuya was confined to her quarters, she gained some favor. Thus, the two unfavored consorts huddled together for warmth and each got what they needed.

"This humble servant greets the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager enjoy boundless blessings and peace!"

"Get up! Sit down."

Bumbutai treated Wanyi well in front of Consort Borjigit, at least pretending Wanyi didn't exist and only chatting with Consort Borjigit. Similarly, the Empress Dowager did not participate in Bumbutai's conversation with Consort Borjigit, and could only chat with Wanyi in broken Chinese.

"It's almost lunchtime, Tana and Guozhen, go check if it's ready for me!"

"Yes, Guozhen obeys." Consort Borjigit walked to the Empress Dowager's side and helped her into the private room.

Wanyi also stood up and performed a deep squatting salute until she could no longer see the Empress Dowager's back. She then stood up and found that Bumbutai was staring intently at her. The oppressive feeling made Wanyi break out in a cold sweat.

"What's your name?" The voice was unreadable, neither happy nor angry.

“A concubine from Yongshou Palace named Suo Zhuolun.”

Wanyi's legs went weak and she knelt down. This Bumbutai was too terrifying.

"Suo Zhuolun, I've noticed you and Guozhen have come here several times already! Tell me, what is your purpose in approaching Guozhen?"

"Your Majesty, this humble servant has no ulterior motive," Wanyi said nervously, trying her best not to stutter.

"Guozhen is simple-minded and naive, unaware of the intricacies of the harem. But with this old woman like me here, no one can touch a hair on her head," Bumbutai said domineeringly.

"This humble servant wouldn't dare. This humble servant truly has no ulterior motives. Sister Borjigit is someone this humble servant genuinely wishes to befriend!"

"Really? Then why do you always appear here whenever Guozhen comes to Cining Palace? I don't believe that there's no such thing as a free lunch." Bumbutai said casually, twirling the prayer beads in her hand.

"At first, I became friends with Sister Borjigit because I thought that with you behind me, I would think twice before trying to harm me. But after spending more time with Sister Borjigit, I truly became friends with her."

Wanyi thought to herself, nothing really escapes the Empress Dowager's discerning eye, so she decided to tell the truth.

"If this is considered the purpose, then I have nothing to say. I will give up this idea after I go back."

"You've received a lot of favor, haven't you? Why are you asking for my protection in the end?" Bumbutai asked in confusion.

"The Emperor's favor is always fleeting and may disappear in a day. If I could have even a little protection from the Empress Dowager, I would not care even if I lost the Emperor's favor. Whenever I play with my sister Borjigit, I would tell her about the rules of the harem and how to get along with the Emperor."

Wanyi's meaning was very straightforward: she only asked for a little protection in exchange for teaching Borjigit's concubine how to become a qualified empress.

"presumptuous!"

Sumalagu suddenly shouted loudly, startling Wanyi who was already nervous. Bumbutai raised his hand to signal Sumalagu to step back before speaking.

"Since you are so sincere, then I will grant your request."

After all, she was not young anymore, and it would be good for Guozhen to have someone in the harem who could truly support her.

"This humble servant thanks the Empress Dowager for her kindness." Wanyi kowtowed deeply.

"Alright, let's go have our meal together! Otherwise, Tana and Guozhen will have to wait too long." With Sumalagu's help, Bumbutai stepped past Wanyi.

After getting up, Wanyi breathed a sigh of relief. It was really close. Luckily, she was quick-witted. Often, it is the combination of truth and lies that makes people believe. Wanyi wiped the sweat off her forehead, tidied her appearance, and then quickly caught up with Bumbutai.

Silence reigned at the dining table; not even the sound of eating could be heard. The Empress Dowager followed ancestral rules, refraining from speaking while eating or sleeping. This made things difficult for Consort Wan, who had to be extremely careful throughout the meal, finding it tasteless. When lunch finally ended, Consort Borjigit did not leave immediately.

"Sister Wanyi, let's go to the Empress Dowager's Shou Kang Palace together! I heard that the Khorchin sent some fresh goat milk. I haven't had goat milk tea in a long time, and I imagine you haven't either, Sister Wanyi! Let's go together!"

Consort Borjigit, in a carefree and excited manner, grabbed Wanyi's arm and acted coquettishly. But Wanyi didn't need to look to know whose eyes were on her. Wanyi's back stiffened. How the hell was she supposed to answer that?!

"Sister Borjigit, it's time for me to go back. How about I accompany you next time?" Wanyi suppressed her fear and said in a relaxed manner.

"Let's go together! It will liven up my palace."

The Empress Dowager couldn't bear it. She naturally guessed what Bumbutai and Wanyi had been talking about. They were still just children! It was also because her aunt was too strict and too suspicious.

"Look, even the Empress Dowager has invited you. You wouldn't refuse to give her any face, would you?"

Consort Borjigit, fearless of death, spouted nonsense, startling Wanyi so much that she wanted to step forward and cover her mouth. Really, you two are related, so she deserves to die, right?

"Go ahead, everyone! Guozhen, watch your words and actions, don't be disrespectful." Bumbutai spoke to Consort Borjigit, but the kind smile on her face never left. Consort Borjigit knew that her uncle and aunt would not punish her, so she showed her true nature in Cining Palace and Shou Kang Palace.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I obey your command."

Consort Borjigit performed a formal bow, but when she stood up, she made a face at Bumbutai, which made Bumbutai burst into laughter.

By the time Wanyi and Consort Borjigit came out of Shou Kang Palace, it was already dark. Wanyi escorted Consort Borjigit back to Jingren Palace before returning to her own Yongshou Palace. As soon as she arrived at Yongshou Palace, she had water prepared so she could take a bath.

"Now that I've gotten in touch with the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager, all I need to do is get closer to the Empress Dowager," Wanyi thought wearily. Today was truly a bittersweet day.

The next day, not long after Wanyi got up, Sumalagu brought the Empress Dowager's reward, which was quite generous.

"Thank you, Aunt Suma. Please have some tea, Aunt Suma." Wanyi personally served Aunt Suma a cup of tea.

"You flatter me, my lord."

Although Su Ma La Gu said this, she still accepted Wan Yi's flattery. Su Ma La Gu took a sip of tea and looked at Wan Yi with a smile.

"You may all leave! I have something to discuss with Aunt Suma." Wanyi suddenly understood the meaning behind Aunt Suma's smile.