"Greetings, Madam! It seems that since I haven't been here for several months, Sister Li has forgotten that her position has changed." Yin Qingyi still greeted Madam with utmost respect, her movements as perfect as could be.
"Sister Yin is here? It was my oversight that I forgot about this. Li, why don't you get up and give way to the concubine?" The concubine seemed to have just noticed Consort Yin, her face showing surprise, but only she knew how much she disliked Consort Yin now.
The full moon banquet was only a month ago, but the changes in Yin Qingyi were so great that the Fujin was slightly stunned. A month ago, this woman was beautiful, but she was definitely not as alluring as she is now. Yes, alluring, that was the only word the Fujin could think of to describe Yin Qingyi.
The corners of her slightly upturned eyes, whether painted or natural, had a subtle reddish tinge that complemented her fox-like eyes. The way her gaze shifted made it seem as if the fox had truly come to life and become human. Her already exquisite face became even more sculpted, flawless from every angle. Her lips were red like cherries, and the slight upturn at the corners revealed her good mood.
That qipao was already incredibly beautiful. It's said that clothes enhance a person's appearance, but in Fang Fujin's opinion, on Yin Qingyi, it was the person who made the clothes look better.
"Since the Princess Consort has spoken, then this concubine will comply." Li Shi reluctantly got up. After all, this position had been with her for more than ten years. Ever since the Princess Consort entered the mansion, this position had always been hers when paying respects. Now that it had changed so suddenly, it was no wonder she was unhappy.
"Alright, everyone, sit down. Today is the first formal greeting for Consort Yin since her promotion to the rank of Secondary Consort. The lower-ranking concubines and maids should be serving tea, but the others have all gone on a trip with the Master, so we'll wait until they return. Now, let Li Shi go first. Granny, bring the tea." The Consort shifted her gaze from Consort Yin, concealing her inner turmoil. She merely gave Li Shi a half-smile.
"!!!" Li Shi didn't expect this! That's right, now that Yin Shi has been promoted to a secondary consort, she is indeed required to receive tea from the lower-ranking women in the inner courtyard. She had completely forgotten about it!
Looking up at the Fujin and Yin Qingyi, she saw that both of them were looking at her with ill intent, and the smiles on their faces were, in Li Shi's eyes, blatant mockery!
"Princess Li, please!" Granny Li stood beside Madam Li, holding a cup of tea.
Li looked at the tea but didn't touch it for a long time.
“It seems that Sister Li’s manners are indeed not very good, don’t you think so, Your Highness?” Yin Qingyi looked at Li Shi, who was sitting motionless in the chair, and turned to the Fujin to say.
"Yes, it was my oversight. Honghui has been ill these days and has not had time to take care of the inner courtyard. Li Shi, hurry up and serve tea to the concubine. Where have you learned your manners?" The concubine was quite satisfied with Yin Qingyi's treatment of Li Shi and did not mind that Yin Qingyi used her to punish Li Shi. She even hoped that Yin Qingyi could be even harsher.
"It was my fault for being distracted. Please forgive me, Madam and Consort!" Li Shi kept mentally preparing herself so that she could calmly get up and apologize. She took the teacup and found it very hot. Sure enough! How could Madam possibly let go of such a good opportunity to deal with her?
"Please have some tea, Consort!" Li Shi endured the pain in her hand and walked to Consort Yin's side, bowing and half-squatting.
Yin Qingyi picked up the tea from the bracelet and drank it, without looking at Li Shi. She had not forgotten how Li Shi had treated her, and it wasn't just once or twice. So she had to get some interest back, right?
"The tea here, Madam, is delicious. I really enjoy it." Yin Qingyi chatted with Madam as if she hadn't even seen Li Shi.
"My sister likes to take some back later, Granny, pack some for the Consort later." The Consort pretended not to see Li Shi when she saw Yin Qingyi doing this, and chatted and laughed with Yin Qingyi.
"Then I thank you for your generous gift, Madam. By the way, how did Prince Honghui fall ill? Is he feeling any better?" Yin Qingyi smiled brightly.
"Sigh, it's all because that new cook in the kitchen is so clueless. But it's all in the past now, and Honghui is fine. He'll be alright in a couple of days." As the Fujin said this, she looked at Li Shi, her emotions well concealed.
"How could the people in the kitchen be so ignorant? How could the kitchen accept someone who is ignorant? Could there be some misunderstanding?" Yin Qingyi already had the answer in her heart, but she didn't have any concrete evidence. Even if she did, she wouldn't bring it up. Let these two fight like dogs; she could watch the show.
Otherwise, no matter who takes down the other, she will definitely be the next one to be dealt with.
"Sigh... who can argue with that? But this is the result of the investigation." The Princess Consort sighed. She knew perfectly well who had done it, but she had no evidence and could only watch helplessly as the person jumped around in front of her!
Li's legs were already trembling. She clenched her teeth tightly, secretly resenting the two men who were deliberately ignoring her.
"Oh dear, Princess Li, when did you arrive? Why didn't you say anything? Qiuju, you too, why didn't you remind me? Look, Princess Li is about to fall!" Yin Qingyi turned her head to look at Li Shi, as if she had just seen Li Shi for the first time, and exclaimed in surprise. She also looked at Qiuju behind her reproachfully, but she didn't say anything to let Li Shi get up.
"Brother, please forgive me. I didn't dare to disturb you while you and the Fujin were talking." Qiuju naturally understood what her master wanted to do, and pretended to kneel on the ground to beg for forgiveness.
"Sigh, never mind, get up. It was my fault for not noticing." Yin Qingyi reached out to help Qiuju up, glancing at Li Shi who was about to fall. She quickly took the tea from Li Shi's hand, but collapsed to the ground as soon as she did.
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