In the warm pavilion of Fengzao Palace, the Imperial Concubine leaned against a bright red pillow adorned with butterflies and flowers, her fair and delicate wrists supporting a jade and pearl crown, her expression indifferent as she looked at the two people beside her.
Han Shi coldly observed the Consort's displeased expression and felt uneasy. She racked her brains but couldn't figure out where she had gone wrong to displease the Consort. Thinking of the Marquis's private instructions, Han Shi couldn't sit still with trepidation.
The old lady had grown accustomed to the Imperial Concubine's filial piety over the years. Seeing the Imperial Concubine like this, she not only failed to be wary but also presumed upon herself to lecture her: "Your status is different now than before. Who in or outside the palace doesn't know that the Emperor favors you? The Emperor is giving you face by letting you preside over six bureaus and twenty-four departments. You should also respect your status and not be as easy to talk to as dough. Those virtuous ladies are not worth you lowering yourself to drink with them repeatedly, making yourself reek of alcohol!"
The Imperial Concubine glanced at the old lady with her phoenix eyes slightly raised, her expression serene and indifferent. "Mother speaks of me with such clarity and eloquence, yet I wonder if you truly understand the meaning of the word 'status'?"
The old lady was taken aback by the Imperial Concubine's retort. Her eyes widened suddenly, and a look of astonishment appeared on her well-maintained face.
The Imperial Concubine raised the corners of her mouth and said, "Since the Lady of the Marquis is here today, I also want to ask her what is meant by legitimate and illegitimate children, what is meant by close and distant relatives, what is meant by sisterly affection, and what is meant by enjoying the company of grandchildren."
Han's right cheek twitched involuntarily. She quickly rose, bowed, and replied, "Your Majesty, I am foolish and dull. I do not know what Your Majesty is referring to. Please enlighten me."
The Imperial Concubine glanced at the old lady, whose face was stiff. Seeing her face twitching repeatedly, she gestured to a palace maid to help Han up and said softly, "We are all family. We were just chatting. Sister-in-law's behavior makes it difficult for me to say anything more."
Madam Han forced a smile, still wondering if the Imperial Concubine was giving her advice on managing the household. Turning her gaze, she noticed the old lady's tightly pressed lips, silent and still. Suddenly, Madam Han had a flash of inspiration and thought of what had happened in the past half month.
It became clear instantly.
It turned out that the Empress's anger wasn't directed at her. Han Shi instantly felt relieved and calmed down, sitting on the stool with unprecedented peace of mind.
The old lady felt a fire burning in her heart. She wanted to speak, but considering the people serving her, she could only keep her lips tightly pressed together and remain silent.
The curtain at the door fluttered slightly, and Caixia came in with a smile to announce that the two young ladies had arrived.
The imperial concubine's eyes lit up, and a genuine smile appeared on her face. She beckoned and said, "Quickly bring them in."
Caixia responded and left. A moment later, two adorable little girls with pink and white hair came over.
Upon seeing Shi Lan, the Imperial Concubine hurriedly waved and said, "Come here quickly and let your aunt take a look. You've lost a lot of weight in just half a month."
Shi Lan glanced around, ignoring the old lady's obvious displeasure, and grinned at the Imperial Concubine.
The imperial concubine was overjoyed and immediately got up to come and greet her.
The old lady suddenly coughed violently, and the Consort froze, slowly sitting back down after she had already stood up.
Shi Lan quickly stepped forward, grabbed the hand that the Imperial Concubine had involuntarily reached out, and said, "Lan Niang has lost weight because she misses her aunt. Lan Niang thought that her aunt would also lose weight because she misses Lan Niang, but it turns out that her aunt has become even more beautiful."
The Imperial Concubine chuckled and said, "You silly child," then she beckoned to Pan Jinxuan and said, "Aunt, come here and let your aunt take a look."
Pan Jinxuan didn't visit the palace often; each time she came with Han Shi and left after a short while, so she was a little reserved here.
Seeing her hesitant demeanor, Madam Han was sweating with anxiety. She wanted to speak, but was afraid of breaking the rules, so she could only watch anxiously.
Caixia had a good impression of Pan Jinxuan. Seeing that she was timid, she stepped forward, took her hand, and led her to the side of the Imperial Concubine.
The Imperial Concubine scrutinized her for a while, then turned to ask Madam Han, "Has Madam made a betrothal?"
Madam Han shook her head and said, "Not yet. The Marquis wants to keep it for a year first, and it won't be too late to decide after the thirteenth."
The Imperial Concubine pondered for a moment and said, "Let's make a decision as soon as possible. Although there are many talented children in each family nowadays, there are not many with good character and upright family traditions. My elder brother is a man and should be concerned about the affairs of the court. I'll leave the matter of the children to my sister-in-law."
Han agreed repeatedly, but was secretly overjoyed.
With the Imperial Concubine's words, Pan Jinxuan's marriage no longer needed the Old Madam's approval; as long as Madam Han was satisfied, the marriage could be decided.
The old lady's lips were pursed into a thin line, her eyes fixed on the floor-length brocade curtain, as if she hadn't heard the two of them talking at all.
Shi Lan glanced coldly at her face, which was as black as the bottom of a pot, and chuckled inwardly. It seemed that the Marquis's mansion would no longer be ruled by the old lady alone.
After exchanging pleasantries, the Imperial Concubine brought up the matter of keeping Shi Lan and the other person there to keep her company.
Before she could even open her mouth, the old lady was about to object, but the Consort looked at her coldly and said, "The weather is getting colder every day. Mother is willing to let Fourth Sister live in a waterside pavilion without a heated kang, but I am not. She has lost her mother, but she still has her aunt. I will not just stand by and watch her go cold and hungry."
The old lady's face suddenly turned red, and she pursed her lips for a long time without uttering a single word.
Han watched coldly, feeling a pang of regret. She shouldn't have deliberately chosen that waterside pavilion just to trip up Pan Jinyue.
She never expected the old lady to be so biased, neglecting her own child and favoring an unrelated one instead.
Fortunately, she later made amends. This child who received the favor of the imperial concubine probably wouldn't put eye drops on himself!
After thinking it over, Han felt relieved that he had handled the matter without any mistakes.
The Imperial Concubine had already drunk quite a bit of wine, and once she finished speaking, the effects of the alcohol kicked in, so she didn't want to waste any more time with the old lady and simply said she was tired.
Madam Han dared not delay the Imperial Concubine's rest, so she quickly gave Pan Jinxuan a wink, signaling her to be quick-witted, and then turned around to help the resentful old lady out the door.
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