What Yunrong considered flamboyant didn't seem like anything to others, since they didn't know about Yunrong's previous clothing style!
This was the first time they had seen Yunrong, the woman who had aroused public outrage in the harem, so they stared at her boldly. Yunrong did not flinch and let them stare at her!
It wasn't until Yunrong bowed to the Empress Dowager, then greeted everyone else, and was offered a seat by the Empress Dowager, that they realized they had been staring at her for a while!
They looked him over and felt that this was somewhat different from the rumors! They had expected to see a slutty and vulgar woman, or an arrogant and domineering concubine, but instead, he turned out to be a very amiable-looking person!
Yes, it's all about being amiable. Although Yunrong's attire was a bit more formal today, this was considered normal dressing in the eyes of the imperial concubines! Yunrong had never engaged in any subtle exchanges with the women of the harem, and coupled with her peaceful nature cultivated from childhood, she possessed a serene air about her! She was quite popular with all the imperial concubines!
Moreover, judging from the Empress Dowager's attitude toward Consort Xian, it's clear to anyone with eyes that the two get along well!
They had prepared their words, but they didn't know how to say them!
They could only tell themselves, "You can know a person's face but not their heart; you can't judge a person by their appearance. Who knows what kind of person they are in private!"
One of the princesses spoke up. This princess had some connection with the Nara family: "It's truly rare to see Consort Xian. I've heard of Consort Xian's great name even outside the palace. Seeing her now, it's just as the rumors say!"
What's going on about Yunrong outside the palace these days? It's nothing more than that she won the Emperor's favor, and that the Emperor trampled on the reputation of the other women in the harem for her sake... In the rumors, Yunrong has almost become a wicked concubine who brought ruin to the country, much like Daji!
Yunrong looked puzzled: "Oh, I didn't know there were rumors about me outside the palace! It seems someone in the palace is being dishonest again! People in the palace should be careful with their words and actions. How can palace matters be spread outside? They really don't understand the rules. I think I'll have to talk to Consort Hui and Consort Rong and ask them to keep a close eye on things. These palace rules are almost just for show!"
Yunrong wasn't someone to be trifled with. Since she knew they were deliberately trying to cause trouble, she naturally wouldn't treat them kindly! When someone bullies you to your face, you have to fight back!
The Prince's wife remained silent, and Yunrong continued slowly and deliberately, "May I ask where you heard this rumor from? That way, Consort Hui and Consort Rong will have a direction to investigate! Such people should be made an example of!"
Seeing that Yunrong was not someone to be trifled with, the princess consort could only say sullenly, "I was just angry because I overheard someone talking! I didn't pay attention to who was speaking!"
Yunrong said with a knowing look, "Is that so! It seems that the Fujin (principal wife) will have to be careful in the future. How can we believe things we just hear? Your Majesty, do you think what I said makes sense?"
The Empress Dowager was also impatient with these imperial concubines disturbing her peace and quiet. She was happy to see them get their comeuppance! The Empress Dowager chuckled and said, "Consort Xian is right! I've noticed that things have become quite lax in the palace lately. Consort Hui and Consort Rong are in charge of palace affairs, and they really need to be properly disciplined!"
The Empress Dowager's peace and quiet was disturbed by the imperial concubines. She knew exactly who the culprit was, so naturally she disliked Consort Hui and Consort Rong!
Then the Empress Dowager immediately said to her trusted maid, "Go and tell Consort Hui and Consort Rong to keep a close eye on their servants lately, and not to treat palace rules as mere decorations!"
"yes"
The imperial concubines were somewhat bewildered by the Empress Dowager's unexpected move. According to their guesses, even if the Empress Dowager was unwilling to get involved in this mess, she should at least be unwilling to give Consort Xian a kind look!
Back then, Consort Dong'e could still spend the night in other palaces even though she had the Emperor's exclusive favor. But now, Consort Xian has the Emperor's sole affection for her! Logically speaking, the Empress Dowager shouldn't like Consort Xian!
Little did they know that the Empress Dowager truly disliked Consort Dong'e. It was because Consort Dong'e's behavior was too pretentious; she would slander other concubines whenever she disliked them, and Shunzhi would believe her!
The Empress Dowager simply disliked pretentious and affected women. As for Consort Xian, she didn't think much of her. She knew that Consort Xian rarely went out and was content in her own little world, and she hadn't seen her target anyone! The Empress Dowager didn't dislike such women!
With one of them taking the lead, the princess consort was already having second thoughts! They were all planning to give up when they heard a eunuch outside announce, "The Emperor has arrived!"
None of the people present expected the Emperor to arrive suddenly, especially at this hour!
After bowing and inviting An Yinzhen to sit at the head of the table, she said, "Your Majesty, it's quite lively here today!"
The Empress Dowager chimed in, "Indeed, it's as if it were all pre-arranged. I was quite surprised myself!"
Yinzhen asked, "Do any of you consorts have something to report to the Empress Dowager? You may speak with me."
These imperial concubines were used to ruling the household! They seemed arrogant, but they didn't dare to deal with the Emperor! No one spoke up!
Yinzhen glanced at everyone and said, "Why aren't you saying anything? Today isn't a day for paying respects. Why are you all here? Don't you have something to say to the Empress Dowager?"
One of the prince's wives said, "We have only come here today to speak with Her Majesty the Empress Dowager; we have nothing else to say!"
His tone was incredibly timid!
Yinzhen was satisfied: "Is that so! You are very thoughtful! You should come and keep the Empress Dowager company often in the future!"
All the wives of the imperial family: We will avoid coming if possible in the future!
Then Yinzhen looked at Yunrong: "Why did Consort Xian decide to come to the Empress Dowager's place today?"
Yunrong smiled, and the other imperial wives were afraid that she would say something she shouldn't and that the emperor would blame them!
While they were feeling uneasy, Yunrong spoke up: "I didn't miss the Empress Dowager, I came to keep her company and have a chat!"
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