Seeing that it was getting late, Ruoshu hesitated, as if she wanted to remind someone of something. Liu noticed Ruoshu's expression and, with great tact, got up and said goodbye.
Yunyi stopped Liu, saying, "Since you're alright, sister, why don't you have dinner here tonight? Let me show you that my little kitchen is not only great for making pastries, but also for our dishes."
Mrs. Liu hesitated for a moment, "This... I'm afraid it's not a good idea!"
"It's alright. His Majesty isn't coming tonight. It'll just be my sister alone anyway. If you stay, there will be one more person to keep her company while she eats."
Liu was straightforward, and seeing that she couldn't refuse, she readily agreed, saying, "Since you say so, elder sister, then I will respectfully comply."
They talked for a long time in the afternoon. They didn't know each other's personalities before, but now they are familiar with each other. Liu is straightforward and felt that the way they addressed each other before was too awkward, so she made a suggestion.
“Sister, my given name is Shuning. In private, you can just call me by my name. It will sound more intimate that way.”
Yunyi smiled and nodded in agreement, "Okay, since that's the case, you don't need to call me sister anymore, just call me Yunyi. When we're together in private, we don't need all those formalities, we just want to be comfortable and at ease with each other."
"Haha, Yunyi, you really understand my personality. We're on the same page."
The atmosphere was comfortable; the two exchanged a smile, both feeling very happy. They never expected to meet someone with similar interests, personality, and habits in such a secluded palace.
After taking a bite of food, Yunyi abandoned the proper etiquette of a well-bred young lady who should not speak while eating or sleeping, and asked Liu Shuning with some curiosity, "Your name is Shuning, it's really nice, did your elders give you that name?"
Instead of having the palace maids serve her, Liu Shuning ate by herself, answering questions as she ate: "My father gave me this name. He hoped that I would be virtuous and quiet, and become a gentle and well-mannered young lady."
Liu Shuning smiled helplessly at Yunyi, "It's just a pity that I've always been wild since I was a child. I never liked learning needlework and thread work. I only liked eating, drinking, and having fun. My father said these were things that couldn't be presented in public."
After finishing her previous statement, Liu Shuning continued to complain, "Let me tell you, the embroidery skills I have now are thanks to my father's strict discipline over several years. He forced me to learn them, otherwise, I really wouldn't know anything except how to eat."
As she finished eating a bowl of rice, Liu Shuning said with relief, "Thanks to my father for forcing me to learn embroidery those years, otherwise I wouldn't know how to give gifts now that I'm a concubine."
At this point, Yunyi suddenly realized that before they were familiar with each other, it seemed that it was because of the actions of the original Consort Tong that Liu Shuning became a concubine. Thinking of this, although it was not something she did, she still felt a little guilty.
"Shuning, are you willing to become a concubine?" Yunyi asked cautiously.
Liu Shuning didn't seem to care about the question and replied cheerfully, "Of course I'm willing! Why wouldn't I be? Becoming a concubine is much better than being a palace maid. I can eat better food, and I don't have to do any chores. I just need to serve His Majesty. It's much more comfortable than before."
Smiling, she continued to say to Yunyi, "I now live in your Chengqian Palace. You are the head of the palace, with a high rank and the emperor's favor. No one dares to cut off the allowance for Chengqian Palace. As for the lower-ranking concubines in the palace, you not only don't care about us much, but your status also brings us a lot of convenience. Compared to the concubines in other palaces, I am already living a very good life."
"I'm very satisfied with my life now. I have food and drink, and I don't have to work. As the saying goes, contentment brings happiness, and I've always been like that. Besides, I've now met you, my good friend. You won't abandon me, right?" Liu Shuning said with a playful smile to Yunyi.
Hearing Liu Shuning's sincere words, Yunyi felt relieved. She picked up a piece of food and offered it to Liu Shuning. Yunyi nodded emphatically and replied with a smile, "Yes, don't worry, I'll take care of you in Chengqian Palace from now on."
Yunyi enjoyed the meal very much. She didn't need to act for others or constantly maintain her status; she was able to revert to her true self.
It felt like stepping back into modern times, gathering with like-minded friends—free and spontaneous. At this moment, she wasn't Tong Yunyi, nor was she Consort Tong; she was simply herself.
Liu Shuning felt the same way; she ate her meal very comfortably today. Since entering the palace, she had first been a palace maid and later a concubine of low status. Apart from eating in her own room, this was the first time she had ever felt so at ease eating anywhere else.
After finishing their meal and seeing Liu Shuning off, Yun Yiruo hesitated, wanting to say something but holding back. For some reason, she felt that her mistress was a little unfamiliar today, quite different from usual.
Noticing the unnaturalness in Ruoshu's expression, Yunyi's heart skipped a beat. Oh no! She'd gotten too carried away that afternoon and forgotten to maintain her composure.
Yunyi took a sip of honey water and took the initiative to break the awkward atmosphere, "Ruoshu, don't you think I'm different today?"
Ruoshu lowered her head, concealing her emotions, and answered honestly, "Your Majesty is indeed somewhat different today than usual. This servant does not understand why Your Majesty has become so close to Consort Liu."
Setting down her cup, Yunyi feigned composure and sighed softly, her voice low and somber, "Ruoshu, do you still remember when I was six years old, secretly crying under the covers?"
“Since I was old enough to understand, I have never shed a tear. But that one time I shed tears, Ruoshu, do you know why?” Yunyi looked at Ruoshu and pretended to ask.
Ruoshu shook her head, not knowing. "This servant remembers, but this servant is dull-witted and really doesn't know why."
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