"Yinshuang, Hongxia, quickly give the congratulatory gifts that I prepared long ago to all the sisters. Congratulations to all the sisters on being granted the titles of Consort and Imperial Concubine."
A moment later, Yinshuang and Hongxia led a group of palace maids into the hall, carrying an exquisite box, and presented it to Consort Gong, Xu Lejin, and other concubines. In front of Xu Lejin was a pair of pearl earrings with three piercings on each ear.
Consort Gong gazed critically at the bright red earrings in the brocade box.
"Your Majesty, I think these earrings are made of rubies. Although I am not as wealthy as Your Majesty, I do own a pair of ruby earrings."
"These earrings have small rubies, far inferior to the cat's-eye earrings that my maternal family sent to the palace a few days ago. I think it's better not to trouble Your Majesty to spend money on them."
Consort Gong pouted proudly and bluntly refused the Empress's congratulatory gift.
Xu Lejin and Consort Xuan exchanged a glance and shook their heads almost imperceptibly. Consort Rong looked enviously at the bright red ruby earrings in front of Consort Gong, and then looked at the jade earrings in front of her, finding them utterly displeasing.
With her eyes darting around, Consort Rong covered her mouth and laughed, "Your Majesty the Empress, Your Highness Consort Gong, I think these ruby earrings are very beautiful and match my outfit perfectly today."
"The jade earrings that Her Majesty the Empress bestowed upon me are very beautiful, but I am not old enough to need jade at my age."
After speaking, Consort Rong revealed what she considered to be a very girlish shyness.
The Empress and Consort Gong's expressions changed simultaneously as they suppressed their nausea, while Xu Lejin and Consort Xuan covered their mouths with handkerchiefs, trying to hold back their laughter.
The Chuxiu Palace was completely silent. After a moment, the Empress spoke softly, "Consort Rong likes brightly colored jewelry. I will instruct the Imperial Household Department to send you some later."
"These ruby earrings are a gift from me to my sister, Consort Gong."
The empress's words carried a strong warning.
Consort Rong shut her mouth awkwardly, her heart filled with resentment. She felt that she was truly a tiger fallen into the plains and bullied by dogs. When she served Emperor Kangxi, the Empress had not yet entered the palace.
Now, all she has is a pair of ruby earrings, yet the Queen is humiliating and bullying her like this.
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