Consort Rong finally chose a large item that she was extremely satisfied with and had it sent to Consort Liang's palace to be shown off.
After all, she was now the mistress of the imperial concubines. Consort Liang moved from the side hall to the main hall, and was now truly the mistress of the palace.
When Consort Liang saw the enormous sandalwood screen placed in front of her, she was completely dumbfounded.
Even the ladies-in-waiting and concubines who came to congratulate Consort Liang, who were smiling and coaxing her, were stunned by this huge object.
The screen, made entirely of rosewood, features simple and unadorned carvings, making it clear at a glance that it is of considerable value.
"Consort Rong, you are truly magnificent!" A young concubine couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
"It's just that this screen is a bit too big and doesn't quite match the style of the furnishings in Consort Liang's palace," another young concubine blurted out.
Consort Liang smiled awkwardly, ignoring the young concubines who had ulterior motives.
She said softly to the head palace maid who came to deliver the congratulatory gift, "I appreciate Consort Rong's kindness, but this screen is very valuable, and I feel unworthy to accept it."
The head palace maid sent by Consort Rong warily stopped Consort Liang from refusing, saying, "Her Majesty said that there have been no happy events in the palace for a long time. Consort Liang's promotion is a joyous occasion, and we should take this opportunity to let the whole palace share in the happiness. Although the screen is valuable, it is worthy to give to Consort Liang as a congratulatory gift."
"Your Highness, we have many guests here. This servant will not disturb your hospitality any longer. This servant will take his leave."
The head palace maid quickly slipped away, fearing that Consort Liang would make her take the screen back with her.
There's no reason to bring back something you've finally managed to throw away.
The Third Princess Consort, who had turned around and run from Consort Rong's place to Yuqing Palace, also told Tong Wanyan about this matter.
"I asked her to send a large item, and she actually picked a big one. Everyone knows she doesn't like that screen, but because it was a gift from the Emperor, it's been sitting in the storeroom collecting dust. Now that she finally found an excuse, she hurriedly sent it out. If the Emperor finds out, he'll be furious again."
"Second Sister-in-law, I'm having such a hard time. My hair is almost all gone because of them. Can't we just live a peaceful life? Who would mistreat them?"
Tong Wanyan looked at her headdress adorned with pearl hairpins, her jet-black hair showing no signs of baldness.
“But you can’t blame Mother. How many people like such heavy sandalwood screens?” the Third Princess said casually.
Suddenly, Tong Wanyan's gaze wandered.
Following her gaze, the Third Princess Consort saw a sandalwood screen with a dragon and cloud design and inlaid with jade against the wall in the inner room.
The massive rosewood screen looks like it's made of better wood than the one used by Consort Rong.
The screen consists of five panels, with the height decreasing from left to right, and each panel is decorated in four sections.
The upper and lower sections feature high-relief five-clawed dragons soaring through the sea of clouds, while the middle two sections are inlaid with various colored jade stones on a black lacquer background.
The upper part features flowers, birds, trees, and rocks, while the lower part displays antique patterns, exuding a calm and elegant style.
The base of the screen is decorated with lotus petal reliefs, featuring elegant lines that blend seamlessly with the screen panels, adding to its solemnity.
It's not that you don't know the goods, it's that you're afraid of comparing them.
The Third Princess Consort clicked her tongue in amazement: "If Father had given Mother this screen instead, how could Mother have been willing to give it away? She would definitely have kept it for our Prince as a family heirloom, showing it off to everyone she met. When it comes to the Emperor's favor, the Crown Prince is truly unique!"
"But the Crown Prince's heart is entirely with you, Second Sister-in-law."
The Third Princess Consort cleverly changed the subject, looking at Tong Wanyan with a fawning smile.
She can't keep her mouth shut; she just keeps talking nonsense.
Tong Wanyan glanced at her sideways, a half-smile on her face: "I think you and the Third Prince are like family, aren't you? You're not cut from the same cloth."
"The wife follows the husband's lead," the Third Princess said ingratiatingly.
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