An Honghan nodded to her, then stepped out of Panlong Palace.
An Honghan's every word and action exuded domineering power. He seemed to be a born king. Every word and action reflected his authority, and no one dared to challenge his bottom line.
The palace maids and eunuchs prepared a large amount of pastries for Xi Xizhi so that she could eat them as snacks when she was hungry.
After court today, An Honghan did not return to Panlong Palace, but went to the Imperial Study to handle state affairs. His trip outside the palace yesterday had taken up a considerable amount of time, resulting in a backlog of memorials.
Xi Xizhi stayed in the Panlong Hall, and feeling bored, she wanted to go out. But when she thought about the two unusual ears on her head, she stopped and continued to sit in the rattan chair, staring blankly at the sky.
Lynn stood quietly by his side, wondering why the child wasn't hot. He always had a black cloth covering his head.
The sound of footsteps approached from afar, and Xi Xizhi's sensitive ears twitched as she looked toward the gate of the Panlong Palace.
As the footsteps drew closer, those around them heard them too.
Lynn was puzzled as to who would come to Panlong Palace at this time, so he peeked out.
"Oh... Chief Eunuch Lin is here? Is His Majesty also in Panlong Hall?" Consort Hua approached from afar, lifting her skirt and walking towards them with graceful steps.
"No, His Majesty is handling state affairs in the Imperial Study," Lynn said firmly.
Xi Xizhi also turned to look at her, only to see that Consort Hua's face showed no trace of sadness. Didn't she just lose her younger brother? Why did she have time to stroll around Panlong Palace at this time?
Consort Hua immediately noticed the little girl next to Lin En. Recalling the recent rumors, her smile vanished. She pondered deeply, wondering about the girl's background.
"Is this Miss Xi?" Consort Hua sat down familiarly on the chair next to her and began chatting with Xi Xizhi.
Xi Xizhi was most afraid of these women with hearts as venomous as scorpions, and wished she could stay as far away as possible. She immediately stood up and said, "The weather is very nice today. I'm going out to bask in the sun. If Consort Hua wants to wait for An Honghan, please feel free to do so."
The moment Consort Hua heard the name 'An Honghan,' her expression changed.
Everyone knows An Honghan's domineering personality. Who would dare to call him by his name? Wouldn't that be courting death? Hua Fei's gaze towards Xi Xizhi no longer showed contempt, but instead revealed a hint of hostility.
Xi Xizhi felt a chill run down her spine from her gaze and didn't want to stay there for another second. Before she could even leave, Hua Fei blocked her path.
"The most talked-about person in the palace lately is Miss Xi. Since His Majesty is not here, why don't we talk about matters concerning women?" Consort Hua smiled, but the smile did not reach her heart.
Hearing those polite words, Xi Xizhi immediately understood the implied meaning. He just wanted to talk to her, and the content of that talk would certainly be harmless and of no benefit to her.
How could Xi Xizhi be so foolish as to agree?
“I’m not familiar with you. There are thousands of beauties in the harem. You can talk to them.” Xi Xizhi took a few steps back, distancing herself from Consort Hua.
Xi Xizhi had never interacted with Consort Hua, but she had heard a lot about her. Who didn't know that Consort Hua held power in the harem? Offending her meant a difficult life in the harem.
Consort Hua was surprised that Xi Xizhi would refuse her so decisively, and she was a little embarrassed. "Miss Xi is now born in the palace. It wouldn't hurt to talk to me, would it?"
Xi Xizhi didn't think so. She wasn't one of the concubines in An Honghan's harem, so why should she get involved?
"I just want to go out for a walk. Consort Hua has the time to talk to me, so why don't you think about how to keep An Honghan's heart?" Xi Xizhi tried to calm down her anger and didn't want to get entangled with this woman.
Just by looking at Consort Hua, one could tell she was someone not to be trifled with. Xi Xizhi only wanted to live a peaceful life; she had no interest in any schemes or plots.
"Oh? Miss Xi wants to go for a walk? I happen to have some time too, why don't we take a stroll together?" Consort Hua had no intention of giving up so easily, and no matter what Xi Xizhi said, she kept pestering her.
Xi Xizhi felt an urge to curse, but she forced herself to hold it back.
"No need, I suddenly don't want to go anymore." Xi Xizhi sat back in her chair, cursing inwardly. This person was too shameless. She had already said she wanted to kick her out, but Hua Fei seemed not to hear her at all.
Consort Hua also sat down on the chair next to her and ordered the maid, "Why haven't you poured me some tea yet? Don't you all know the rules of the palace?"
There are many comments about Consort Hua in the palace. Some say she manages the harem very well, and if there were no mistakes, His Majesty would surely have made her Empress. Others say that Consort Hua abuses her power and often beats and scolds servants, and if His Majesty finds out, she will certainly not escape punishment.
However, these are just rumors, without any factual basis, and no one can do anything to Consort Hua. Whatever you do, you have to look at the evidence.
Consort Hua picked up her teacup, took a sip, and the moment her lips touched the teacup, two red lip prints appeared.
“Miss Xi, don’t be nervous. Today, I only wish to have a talk with you. You’ve been in the palace for several days now, but His Majesty hasn’t revealed your identity… To be honest, if word got out that you were a ‘personal maid,’ I’m afraid few people would believe it.” Consort Hua glanced at the Da Hong Pao tea set in front of Xi Xizhi. It was something that had just been presented by another country a few days ago, and in just a few days, it had all been given to Xi Xizhi to enjoy alone.
Consort Hua was extremely jealous, but she did not show it.
Xi Xizhi listened quietly to these words and gradually figured out the meaning behind Consort Hua's words.
It turned out that what this woman wanted to talk to her about was actually her own identity.
Come to think of it, these women are all An Honghan's concubines, what they are most worried about is losing favor.
Xi Xizhi slowly raised her head. "Is status that important? I won't compete with you for anything."
Her relationship with An Honghan was like that of a master and his pet, but how could Xi Xizhi possibly tell anyone?
Hearing this ambiguous statement, Consort Hua gritted her teeth secretly, but put on a friendly smile.
"Miss Xi, are you joking? As long as it's something you like, how could I possibly compete for it? I'll definitely deliver it to you." Consort Hua said politely, occasionally covering her mouth and laughing.
Looking at her pretentious act, Xi Xizhi felt increasingly uncomfortable and wanted to leave, but the other woman clung to her tightly.
Consort Hua cut to the chase, "I heard you sleep with His Majesty?"
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