Chapter 343 Greetings
Huo Lin did as instructed. The hall was quiet and warm, with only the soft breathing of the two of them.
However, this tranquility did not last long.
The faint sound of footsteps and Wang Degui talking to someone in a low voice could be heard outside the hall.
Huo Lin paused slightly in his massage, his brows furrowed imperceptibly, and a hint of displeasure at being disturbed flashed in his eyes.
Whose mouth is so loud, like a firecracker?
Why hasn't Wang Degui kicked the people out yet? Is he planning to confiscate their salaries this month?
Is this another move by the Cining Palace?!
Just as he was about to reprimand them, there was a gentle knock on the palace door, and Wang Degui's voice came through the door.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the ladies of the various palaces have come to pay their respects to Your Majesty and are waiting outside the hall. As you can see..."
Greetings?
Huo Lin and Jiang Huan were both taken aback.
Since she was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort, she has been either pregnant and uncomfortable or busy catching up on sleep, so the custom of paying respects to her mother morning and evening has long been a mere formality.
Those concubines were already envious and jealous, but they couldn't climb up to them or defeat them, so naturally they would avoid them if they could.
What's gotten into her today? She's gathered her group of girlfriends again?
Huo Lin frowned even more, clearly extremely dissatisfied.
【What's with the greetings? A bunch of weasels, all hypocritical and noisy, needlessly disturbing her peace.】
Instead of wasting time like this, you should all stay in your palaces and avoid causing trouble.
Disbanding the harem must be put on the agenda; I will begin planning it tomorrow.
His resolve grew stronger, but it wasn't the right time to act on it directly.
Huo Lin looked down at Jiang Huan, his expression full of indulgence: "If you don't want to see them, I'll let them go back."
Jiang Huan shook her head.
She did not like the superficial social interactions with this group of people, but she also knew that since she was in this position, some social situations could not be completely avoided.
Moreover, she also wanted to see what was going on with these women suddenly becoming so "well-behaved".
"Let them wait in the main hall. I will be there shortly."
She raised her voice to Wang Degui outside the door and gave him instructions, her tone calm yet carrying an air of authority.
"Yes." Wang Degui responded and withdrew.
Seeing this, Huo Lin, though still unwilling, did not stop her. He simply pursed his lips and intensified his massage, as if trying to replenish any energy she might have expended in the limited time available.
[Hmph, a bunch of eyesores.]
[If anyone dares to say anything unpleasant later, I will immediately send them to the Cold Palace!]
[Wang Degui needs to keep a close eye on things and remove all those pungent sachets before they come in, so they don't bother her and the baby with the stench.]
Jiang Huan smiled as she listened to his protective scheme.
She was attended to by palace servants, who helped her wash and dress up. She changed into the everyday clothes befitting an imperial concubine and, accompanied by Huo Lin, arrived at the main hall of Weiyang Palace.
Inside the hall, the concubines were already standing quietly according to their rank, each with their heads bowed and their posture respectful, even their breathing was extremely soft.
The news that Lady Chang of Cining Palace had been personally ordered to commit suicide by the Emperor and that his body had been sent as a warning spread like wildfire throughout the entire harem.
All the concubines, regardless of their rank, were terrified by this thunderous method.
Those little tricks, whether overt or covert, that used to be gone without a trace, and even the greetings to Weiyang Palace became exceptionally proper and respectful.
Upon seeing the two enter, they immediately knelt down in unison to pay their respects, their voices perfectly synchronized, revealing obvious nervousness.
"This concubine greets Your Majesty and the Imperial Noble Consort."
Huo Lin glanced at them expressionlessly, gave a faint "hmm" in response, and then walked straight to the main seat to sit down, but his gaze remained fixed on Jiang Huan, as if the people standing below him were a group of wooden stakes.
Jiang Huan was a little awkward at first, but she adapted quite well. She sat down in the main seat below Huo Lin with a polite smile on her face: "My dear sisters, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty." Only then did everyone carefully rise, standing with their heads bowed, not daring to look directly at each other.
For the rest of the time, Jiang Huan practically carried the entire show.
The concubines took turns stepping forward, saying all sorts of auspicious words, showing concern for her health. Their tone was humble, and their words were carefully chosen, for fear that if they said the wrong thing, they would bring about a terrible disaster and be skinned and fleshed out by Huo Lin.
Some people even carefully prepared small gifts for the future imperial heirs; though not expensive, they were the thought that counted.
Jiang Huan handled the situation with ease, nodding when she should, smiling when she should, and saying a few polite words without hesitation, perfectly embodying the demeanor of an Imperial Noble Consort.
Huo Lin watched from the sidelines, his impatience with the concubines gradually replaced by a sense of pride and honor.
[Hmm, she's really imposing, even more handsome than me!]
[She handled the situation well, with a good balance of tension and relaxation, and exuded elegance... It's just that she's a little tired; I'll give her a massage later.]
Why aren't these people done yet? They're talking so much!
He silently complained, but his gaze towards Jiang Huan was so tender it could melt hearts.
The greeting ceremony finally ended in a seemingly harmonious and respectful atmosphere. The concubines bowed and withdrew as if they had been granted a pardon. Only after they had walked far away from Weiyang Palace did some of them dare to breathe a sigh of relief and wipe the sweat from their palms.
Among this group of people, Consort Li's expression was the most unpleasant.
She barely managed to maintain her composure, her nails digging deep into her palms, just to keep from losing her composure.
Back in her palace, after dismissing all the palace servants, Consort Li finally couldn't hold back any longer. She suddenly swept a set of exquisite tea utensils off the table.
The ear-piercing sound of shattering porcelain echoed throughout the hall.
Her chest heaved violently, and her face could no longer maintain its usual charming and graceful demeanor, only showing twisted jealousy and resentment.
That woman not only stole all of the emperor's favor, but now, thanks to the child in her womb, she rightfully enjoys honor and awe.
And she, once the most favored concubine in the harem and the one with the best chance of becoming empress, now has to grovel before that vile woman and force a smile.
Intense humiliation and resentment gnawed at her heart like venomous snakes.
Consort Li suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the palace like a trapped beast, finally stopping in the direction of the small kitchen.
"Someone come here!" she shouted sternly, "Bring me my meal! Bring up all the pastries, candied fruits, dried meat... anything edible!"
The palace servants were startled by their master's sudden and crazy order, but dared not ask any questions and hurriedly went to prepare.
Soon, a dazzling array of food filled the entire table, from delicate pastries to fish and meat dishes, there was something for everyone.
Consort Li sat down at the table, staring blankly at the food on it. Then, as if she were sulking, she grabbed a greasy piece of roast duck and began to tear into it without any regard for her image, as if she wanted to swallow all her resentment along with the food.
The Emperor doesn't like it, but she does! If the Emperor won't eat it, she can eat it herself, right?
She ate very quickly, barely chewing, her cheeks bulging.
"Eat! Eat it all! Why is she so glamorous while I'm stuck here sulking? Eat! Eat until you die!"
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