Zhuang Luoyan looked at the Su sisters coming together. She didn't understand a woman like Concubine Shu Gui, so at this moment, she didn't want to become an enemy of her.

If you lose in the business world, you may only lose money and position. If you lose in the harem, you may lose not only your position but also your life. He took the teacup and sipped it gently, hiding the emotions that he accidentally revealed. The tea was good, but a little bland.

After Consort Shugui and Su Xiuyi paid their respects to the empress, they sat down in a proper manner. The empress glanced at everyone and said, "It rained for most of the night yesterday. Today, Kang'an Palace conveyed the empress dowager's decree, saying that everyone is exempted from paying respects to the empress dowager today." Having said this, the empress took a sip of tea and continued, "I think there are many elderly people in the palace now. You can all go and ask the palace maids over the age of 25 around you. If there are any who want to leave the palace, go to the palace to withdraw money and send them home."

Zhuang Yuyan was slightly stunned. Letting the old people out of the harem meant that new palace maids would be selected in the spring of next year. If one or two of these palace maids caught the emperor's favor... she finally understood why the emperor had so many women. Seeing fresh young girls every year would inevitably increase his appetite.

"Your Majesty is so kind," Concubine Shugui stood up and saluted, smiling and saying, "I will ask you about this when I return to the palace."

The queen nodded, and when she saw the other concubines also stood up to praise her for her kindness, she smiled and said, "I am not kind at all, I am just following the rules of our ancestors."

Zhuang Yuyan sighed in her heart. Apart from looking good on the surface, being an empress is sometimes a thankless job. She felt tired just watching her do the job, not to mention how complicated it was for the empress to do these things.

But as the saying goes, if you are not a fish, how can you understand the joy of a fish? She thought the queen was tired, but perhaps the queen also thought that this was an extremely honorable position, and she was happy even if it was tiring, and was willing to do it even if it was complicated.

"By the way, Zhao Chongyi, I heard that the emperor has granted you a small kitchen in the palace. Do you have anyone who is good at cooking? If you don't have anyone available, go to the palace and tell them so that they can arrange a few maids for you." The queen seemed to suddenly remember this and spoke, "You have suffered a lot these days, and you should take good care of yourself. I see that you have lost some weight in recent days."

"Thank you, Her Majesty. I have someone who is good at cooking with me, so I don't have to go to the Palace to prepare the food," Zhuang Luoyan smiled, but her eyes were still filled with panic. "It's not that I've lost weight, but I just didn't sleep well these past two days, so I guess I'm not in good spirits."

The queen nodded and looked at her tolerantly. "Please sit down quickly. There is no need to be so polite. You don't have to think too much. God is watching over you. If you have a clear conscience, even the gods will protect you."

Zhuang Yuyan thanked En and sat down, but she sneered in her heart. The Queen's words were obviously to comfort her, and she also implicitly praised her for being blessed by God. But if you think about it more deeply, she was reminding others not to do shameful things, and also reminding others that she had been somewhat conspicuous in the harem recently.

The Queen was worthy of being the Queen. She had neither hatred nor likes towards the concubines. She only had the word balance. She now had her own small kitchen. No matter what the reason was, it was indeed a bit eye-catching. The Queen's reaction was already considered calm, which showed that in the Queen's mind, this matter was not a big deal.

After hearing what the Queen said, Concubine Shugui smiled sarcastically. The news that Zhao Chongyi was blessed by God had spread throughout the harem, so it would be strange if the Queen didn't feel uncomfortable. However, Zhao Chongyi was indeed lucky, so it was no wonder that the Queen, the Queen, felt jealous.

Whether the Queen had other meaning in her words or not, the other concubines just echoed her words and told Zhuang Yuyan to have a good rest. They did not dare to offend the Queen, but Zhao Chongyi, who was favored by the Emperor, was not someone they could ridicule at will.

Zhuang Yuyan was not a person who liked to engage in verbal battles. After the queen said this, she had no intention of refutation at all. She just pretended that she could not understand the hidden meaning of the queen's words. She said a few words in line with the superficial meaning of the queen's words, and then stopped talking, acting a little depressed.

Concubine Zhuang glanced at Zhuang Yuyan's appearance, looked away expressionlessly, scanned the faces of everyone in the room, then lowered her head obediently, touching the already cold teacup in her hand.

Ma Jieyu has been much more obedient since she was slapped in the face by Concubine Yan. The emperor saw her being slapped that day, but even so, Concubine Yan was not punished. She knew in her heart that she was no longer the favored Ma Jieyu two years ago.

Even if she was stupid, she knew that the beauty was still young but the favor was gone. She was not the only one in the harem, nor would she be the last one. She looked up at the people present. How many of them could continue to be favored by the emperor?

"Kneel down, I am tired too."

Ma Jieyu stood up and stood with the other concubines, then followed everyone out of Jingyang Palace. The order of getting on the sedan chair was different because of different status. She watched Shugui Concubine, Ning Concubine, Xian Concubine and other high-ranking concubines leave with their guards of honor. Then she looked at the remaining concubines who lowered their heads and were obedient, with a mocking smile on her lips. Didn't she also fantasize about the day when she would leave with a guard of honor amid the envious eyes of the concubines?

Now that she had woken up from her dream, she realized how stupid she had been. If she had not been so arrogant at the beginning, she would not have ended up like this.

"Master, be careful."

The delicate and gentle reminder made Ma Jieyu raise her head again. The one who was riding on the sedan chair this time was Zhao Chongyi, who was favored by the emperor and was also the one she had ridiculed before.

Zhao Chongyi was wearing an inconspicuous light blue waisted skirt, and even her hair was neatly tied up. The jade hairpin in her hair looked neither ostentatious nor shabby, and at first glance, it was impossible to find any fault with her.

Some people are arrogant for a while, but they know how to turn back in time, while some people are arrogant for too long and have no chance to turn back. Ma Jieyu calmly watched Zhao Chongyi leave on a sedan chair, and looked at the envious eyes of other concubines of different status, and couldn't help but sneer. There are more unfavored people than favored ones in the harem, not to mention that Zhuang Yuyan's family background is not bad, how can she be compared with concubines of different status with humble backgrounds.

Seeing the unwilling and angry expression on Concubine Zhuang's face, the mocking smile on Concubine Ma's face became more obvious. These two really didn't look like sisters. The elder sister resented and envied the younger sister, while the younger sister had no regard for her illegitimate sister in her eyes and heart. She didn't even do superficial favors, which was really funny to watch.

However, there are so many funny things in the harem, and the Zhuang sisters are no shortage of jokes.

"Master," the maid beside him reminded softly, "please get on the sedan chair."

Ma Jieyu sat on the sedan chair. When it rose, she looked at the other concubines who were standing properly, slowly shifted her gaze, raised her head and squinted her eyes to look at the sun rising in the sky. The sun has a time to rise, and naturally it will also set.

The days of living in Xihe Palace were quite peaceful. Although Concubine Shugui occasionally gave her some gifts, Zhuang Yuyan always accepted them with pleasure. Although Concubine Shugui's action might be to illustrate the difference in status between the two, in Zhuang Yuyan's view, such free and harmless things should not be missed.

It was a fine day, and Zhuang Yuyan was taking a walk with a few palace maids and eunuchs nearby. They accidentally walked into a bamboo forest. Thinking that this was Xu Zhaoyi's territory, although she was greedy for the coolness here, she still wanted to leave obediently.

"Zhao Chongyi?"

Before Zhuang Yuyan could leave, she met Xu Zhaoyi, who was wearing a Japanese bun and a snow-white wide-sleeved silk dress. Seeing this, Zhuang Yuyan obediently saluted.

"Well, get up now," Xu Zhaoyi sighed softly, "My place has always been quiet, and few people come here. It's the fate of these green bamboos that you can come here." As he spoke, a melancholy smile appeared on his face, "I don't have anything to treat you, how about we have a cup of light tea together?"

"I am honored to be invited by Zhaoyi." Zhuang Yuyan didn't know why, but she felt something was wrong all over her body.

"I don't bloom, so as not to attract bees and butterflies." Xu Zhaoyi sat down and sighed, "Everyone in the harem loves those colorful flowers, but they don't know that bamboo also has its own unique charm."

Zhuang Luoyan smiled dryly. As a worldly person, she craved the coolness of bamboo and the beauty and fragrance of flowers. However, looking at Xu Zhaoyi's appearance who was not tainted by the worldly at all, she suddenly felt that she should not say anything inappropriate, so as not to let such an otherworldly person be tainted by the worldly. Although no matter how she looked at it, she felt uncomfortable.

"This is Bamboo Leaf Green Tea, which is not a rare tea, but it is elegant," Xu Zhaoyi asked the maid beside her to serve tea to Zhuang Yuyan. She looked up at the dense bamboo forest above her head and asked, "Does Zhuang Yuyan also like this bamboo forest?"

After hearing this, Zhuang Yuyan naturally couldn't answer her that she ran over on her own, so she could only say, "I saw that this place was fresh and elegant, so I came to take a look, but I didn't expect to disturb Empress Zhaoyi's peace. It is really my fault."

"Since we are here to appreciate the bamboo, why bother you?" Xu Zhaoyi smiled faintly, as if his mind was immersed in this bamboo forest. "Your understanding of bamboo is their greatest comfort."

Zhuang Luoyan lowered her head and took a sip of Bamboo Leaf Green Tea. The tea was indeed fragrant, but it was definitely not a good tea. Thinking that Xu Zhaoyi was a rare talented woman, she twitched her lips. She originally thought that this lady was the same type as Lin Daiyu in the Dream of the Red Chamber, but now she felt that it was really an insult to Lin Daiyu to think so.

Although Lin Daiyu is also a melancholy person, at least her words and actions are genuine. Although Xu Zhaoyi exudes a refined air all over her body, why does she give people the feeling that she is acting pretentious?

But this is not surprising. There are all kinds of women in the harem, and it is a novelty to have such a talented woman with different views and thoughts. But does the emperor communicate with Xu Zhaoyi like this every time?

The scene of the emperor and Xu Zhaoyi reciting poems and composing music came to her mind, and her hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. It must be said that being an emperor is a profession with a wide range of hobbies.

Speak of the devil, here comes the devil. Just as Zhuang Luoyan had this thought, she heard the emperor's voice coming from behind her.

"The two beloved concubines are in such a good mood that they are drinking tea and admiring the bamboo here."

When Zhuang Yuyan stood up, she saw the joy hidden in Xu Zhaoyi's eyes, and she vaguely understood in her heart that Xu Zhaoyi might have known that the emperor was coming, so she deliberately made such a statement in front of her to attract some attention from the emperor. It seems that this talented woman is not really as detached from the world as a talented woman.

"I've seen the emperor," Zhuang Yuyan put down her teacup and saluted with Xu Zhaoyi. Compared with Zhuang Yuyan's formal salute, Xu Zhaoyi's gestures were a little more elegant. The snow-white sleeves drew a beautiful arc in the air, which dazzled Zhuang Yuyan.

"My two beloved concubines, there is no need to be so polite," Feng Jin walked over to the two of them with a smile, "Since there is good tea, I will also taste it."

"Your Majesty, this is made from fried young bamboo tips. I'll make you a cup and try it to see if it suits your taste," Xu Zhaoyi smiled faintly and made a cup of tea for him personally. The curling green smoke floated on the surface of the tea, which was indescribably beautiful.

Zhuang Yuyan held the teacup and watched the scene silently. No wonder Xu Zhaoyi was called a talented woman. Not to mention whether she was talented or not, her temperament was really that of a talented woman, which was rare in the harem.

"It leaves a lingering fragrance on your lips and teeth. Good tea." Feng Jin took a sip and put down the teacup. He turned around and saw Zhuang Luyan sitting beside him with a faint smile. He said, "My two beloved concubines are indeed more leisurely than me in tasting this tea."

Zhuang Yuyan put down her teacup and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is making fun of me. You said Xu Zhaoyi can taste tea, and no one can refute it. But you said I can taste tea, which is a big joke. I met Xu Zhaoyi in the forest today and had a cup of tea from her. It is a blessing for a mortal like me. If your Majesty continues to praise me like this, I am afraid I will lose face in the future."

Feng Zhen smiled and moved his gaze to Xu Zhaoyi, "My beloved concubine likes this bamboo forest. It is worth it that I arranged this place for you. Fortunately, I made my beloved concubine smile."

There was a hint of shyness on Xu Zhaoyi's face, making her already fair and lovely face look even more beautiful.

Zhuang Lu Yanqi looked at this scene, put down her teacup, put on a forced smile, stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I remember that there are still some things in the palace that have not been settled, so I will not drink tea with you."

Feng Jin raised his head and glanced at Zhuang Yuyan. There seemed to be a momentary pause, but it seemed not to be. "Since my beloved concubine has something to do, please leave. The sun is scorching now, so be careful on the road."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty," Zhuang Yuyan did not even look at the two people's almost clasped hands, and hurriedly retreated.

Gao Dezhong, who was serving on the side, looked at Zhao Chongyi's back as she hurried away. For a moment, he didn't know whether to sympathize with Zhao Chongyi or laugh at her for forgetting her own identity. There were so many women in the harem, so how could she make the emperor fall in love with her?

Xu Zhaoyi was very satisfied with Zhao Chongyi's knowledge. Seeing her leave in a hurry, he said, "I wanted to have a good chat with Zhao sister, but she didn't have time."

"Don't feel sorry, my beloved. You will have another chance in the future, right?" Feng Jin lowered his eyelids, withdrew his hand that was about to shake with Xu Zhaoyi, and drank a sip of Bamboo Leaf Green. "I originally wanted to move you to the Treasure Golden Palace. Since my beloved likes this bamboo forest, I will not let my beloved go through this trouble."

The smile on Xu Zhaoyi's face froze for a moment, then returned to normal, "I am lucky that the emperor is considerate."

Gao Dezhong's original sympathy for Zhao Chongyi was transferred to Xu Zhaoyi. Who can tell the gains and losses of this?

The emperor was planning to move Xu Zhaoyi to another palace, but the news that he had canceled the plan because Xu Zhaoyi loved the bamboo forest outside the building eventually reached the ears of everyone in the harem.

"Tsk, this person just loves to act up. This time she has shot herself in the foot," Concubine Rou said with a mocking smile, "She said she likes bamboo forests, but I'm afraid she wants to burn down the forest right now."

She teased the snow-white long-haired cat in her arms, and the smile on her face became more and more obvious. She knew that this woman would be so pretentious that she would kill herself sooner or later. Isn't this the case?