When Shi Xiuzhu married into Yuqing Palace, Consort Tong was already practicing asceticism on Mount Wutai.
Upon seeing the Crown Princess whom Emperor Kangxi so highly approved of for the first time, Consort Tong raised the corners of her lips, revealing an unprecedented enthusiasm.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Consort Tong was confident that Shi Xiuzhu, as the Crown Princess, even if he appeared to get along peacefully with Tong Wanyan, must be wary and disgusted with her inwardly.
The principal wife and the favored concubine are destined to be incompatible from the start.
"She truly is the Crown Princess chosen by His Majesty from among thousands; her bearing is so dignified and noble." Consort Tong stepped into the room, her face beaming, and immediately showered Shi Xiuzhu with praise.
Shi Xiuzhu's skin, hidden beneath the cheongsam, instantly broke out in goosebumps.
No wonder all the concubines in the harem were on good terms with Yuqing Palace, except for this one who loved to boss people around and had a lot of ulterior motives.
Shi Xiuzhu, unfazed by Consort Tong's hospitality, pointed to the seat next to her, where tea and snacks were served: "Consort Tong, please sit down."
As for Chen Jia, with her humble background and lack of merit, she should just stand aside.
Consort Tong did not think there was anything wrong with Shi Xiuzhu not allowing Chen Jia to sit down, since their statuses were not equal.
Thinking about the purpose of her visit today, Consort Tong smiled and pushed Chen Jia towards Shi Xiuzhu.
"Your Highness, what do you think of my niece?" Consort Tong asked.
Shi Xiuzhu had a cold and aloof demeanor. When he looked at others, if he didn't smile, he exuded extraordinary authority.
Chen Jia's beauty lies in her unassuming nature; she is shy and timid, like a delicate white flower trembling in the mountains. So slender and fragile, she evokes a desire to protect her.
Shi Xiuzhu was very imposing, which made Chen Jia's heart pound.
"Not very good," Shi Xiuzhu said disdainfully.
She thought that such a beautiful woman would be a treasure to Consort Tong, who had seen Tong Wanyan's beauty, and would send her to Yuqing Palace.
She's not even as pretty as Xia Zhu or Chun Que.
Just then, Su Jixiang rushed over from the South Courtyard: "This servant greets the Crown Princess. The Prince and his concubine will be here shortly, so this servant asked me to inform you in advance."
As Chen Jia watched helplessly as Shi Xiuzhu's expression softened instantly upon hearing the words "concubine," her heart turned cold.
How could she have believed such a naive and foolish person as Consort Tong, and even dared to dream of stirring up trouble in Yuqing Palace?
Shi Xiuzhu pointed to Su Jixiang, whose face was round and fair, and showed it to Consort Tong: "Your Majesty, even the little eunuchs in Yuqing Palace cannot compare to this niece in terms of appearance and demeanor."
Su Jixiang had a simple, honest smile that was both sweet and auspicious.
It was his delicate, baby-faced appearance that caught Tong Wanyan's eye.
Hearing Shi Xiuzhu praise him, Su Jixiang bowed and thanked her in a neat and pleasing manner: "Thank you for the praise, Your Highness. This servant is of ordinary appearance and is nothing special in Yuqing Palace."
“You are quite honest. The head maidservant by my side and Chunque and Xiazhu by Sister Tong’s side are both outstanding beauties, and they are also clever and reliable. Compared to them, you are indeed lacking,” Shi Xiuzhu said.
As the mistress and servant sang in unison, the complexions of Consort Tong and Lady Chen visibly worsened, becoming so dark and gloomy they seemed about to drip water.
"Your Highness, this is my niece after all," Consort Tong said with displeasure.
Shi Xiuzhu smiled at her: "I never said no. It's just that the concubine asked me what I thought of her, so I told the truth. What kind of beauties aren't there in the Forbidden City? Your niece is indeed not very good."
Consort Tong's face contorted with rage, and she reached out and pinched Chen Jia's waist hard.
She came here to discuss cooperation, not to be humiliated.
Shi Xiuzhu made it clear that she was unwilling to cooperate with her, and she was also quite temperamental.
Chen Jia was in so much pain she was on the verge of tears, but tears welled up in her eyes.
Shi Xiuzhu noticed and said sincerely, "You look rather beautiful when you cry, with your brows furrowed. It's a pity, tears are forbidden in the palace."
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