"Didn't you hear me? Thirty lashes and a month of confinement—that's His Majesty's punishment. Before he left, he even said to go to the Censorate to receive the punishment. Did you lose your hearing? Didn't you hear a word?"
"Nonsense! When did His Majesty say he would punish me? He punished you!"
"Oh, I forgot, Consort Lan only entered the palace yesterday, so she probably doesn't know the rules of the harem yet. His Majesty never questions right or wrong; if people fight, both are punished. So, whether you push me into the water or I push you, you can't escape these thirty lashes, understand?"
Lan Jieyu's face turned a deep shade of liver with anger. "Nonsense... There's no such rule... Don't try to fool me!"
"If Consort Lan doesn't believe me, she can ask any of the more senior concubines in the palace, or even the Empress Dowager. They will answer your questions. After all, this is a rule set by His Majesty, and I dare not speak nonsense."
Gu Jiangli squeezed the water out of her hair and instructed the lotus flower:
"Lotus, let's go."
Having said that, ignoring Lan Huier who was still stunned and shocked, the two turned around nimbly and walked away.
Along the way, Lotus Flower exclaimed in amazement at her.
"My lady, you have truly broadened my horizons today! I thought you would swallow your anger and keep quiet."
"I will never swallow my anger again. You have no idea how satisfying it was to kick her like that. You didn't see the look on Lan Jieyu's face when she fell into the water. It was truly spectacular."
“Your Highness is not as gloomy as before, which makes me happy. However… that whipping punishment is really harmful to your health. I will go and receive it on your behalf.”
"What are you going to receive?" Gu Jiangli interrupted her directly. "His Majesty said that only those who want to receive punishment should go to the Censorate. I don't want to receive punishment, so what am I going there for?"
Lotus gave a familiar blank look. "Your Majesty... is that what you mean?"
"That's the meaning I understand. Is there another layer of meaning?"
"So you just told Consort Lan to go and receive her punishment, that was..."
"Oh dear, silly girl, Consort Lan didn't hear His Majesty's words because her ears were full of water. After I relayed His Majesty's words to her, she misunderstood them. How can you blame me for this?"
"Hmm, that makes sense."
"Good that you understand. I'm eager to hear news of Consort Lan's departure to the Ministry of Justice. Keep an eye out for her these next few days, and let me know if anything happens so I can be happy."
Lotus smiled broadly, brimming with energy, "Alright!"
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