"Originally, Hua Hongxiu was supposed to be assigned to Concubine Ning's palace, but who knew that she used some tricks to get the emperor to order her to move to Taoyu Pavilion," Su Xiuyi said sarcastically, "She started playing tricks right after entering the palace. She is really a *person, and it's really disgusting."

"Why do you care about her?" Concubine Shu Gui looked at Su Xiuyi helplessly, somewhat dissatisfied with her impulsiveness, "Is a little talent worth your concern?"

"Cousin, just looking at her reminds me of Zhuang Luyan. Her aggressiveness makes me uncomfortable." Su Xiuyi sat down on a chair at the side and said with an unpleasant expression, "They are all the same kind of people."

"Where are your manners?" Concubine Shu Gui glanced at Su Xiuyi, "Is it right for you to say such vulgar words? Whether Zhuang Yuyan is genuine or fake, she is more favored than you, which is a skill. What's the point of you complaining to me? As for Hua Hongxiu, you don't need to complain because there are people who look down on her."

"She imitates Zhuang Luoyan in everything she says and does. How can Zhuang Luoyan tolerate her?" Su Xiuyi thought of Hua Hongxiu's words and deeds and curled her lips in disdain.

"Others may not be able to bear it, but as for Zhuang Yuyan..." Concubine Shugui smiled, "She can certainly bear it better than anyone else. In this harem, imitating others can only gain temporary favor, but it is not a long-term solution."

At that time, Concubine Yan was also extremely favored. Isn't she still a little Concubine now? It's just that Concubine Ning is really not very likable.

If you can endure your anger for a while, you can plan for the long term. If you want to deal with someone, why rush into it?

In Qianzheng Palace, Feng Jin looked at the various ivory cards on the plate in front of him and suddenly felt a little bored. In the end, he picked the card of Ning Guiren in the corner.

"Let's go and see the new noble lady Ning tonight," Feng Jin thought for a moment, "Oh, by the way, send the new paper iris I asked someone to make to Zhao Xianrong, and leave the fat horse paper iris with me."

"Yes." Gao Dezhong retreated as he was told.

There were red lanterns hanging outside Changtian Tower, but the person guarding the door was not Xu Zhaorong but Ning Guiren. After Ning Guiren entered the palace, the emperor saw that she was cool and elegant, and had written a good poem. He said that she had many of the same hobbies as Xu Zhaorong, so he let her live in Changtian Tower.

Xu Zhaorong stood at the window, looking at the beauty standing at the door, with no expression on her face.

"Your Majesty, it's late, go to sleep." The palace maid came forward to comfort her.

Xu Zhaorong remained silent and stood there quietly until the bright yellow chariot appeared. She watched the emperor hugging another woman intimately at the door, and then they disappeared out the door hugging each other.

After forcibly breaking her beautifully manicured nails, Xu Zhaorong turned around and said, "Help me sleep."

Among the three newcomers, the emperor favored Concubine Ning first. When Zhuang Yuyan heard the news, she was not surprised at all. After all, men are visual animals, and it is normal to pick a pretty one first.

Within two days, the Queen planned to hold a flower-viewing banquet in Yu Garden, and Zhuang Yuyan naturally agreed. Although the Queen would hold several banquets in Yu Garden every year under various pretexts, and then the wives would fight each other with words and eyes, and then leave after the banquet, satisfied.

"Your Majesty, the Queen is hosting a banquet today, and we don't know what will happen. You have to be careful with the new bride entering the palace." Ting Zhu spoke carefully while combing Zhuang Weiyan's hair.

As she let Tingzhu comb her hair into a complicated style, Zhuang Luoyan smiled and said, "I know you are worried about me, but there will be so many concubines here, and maybe all of them will miss me."

"It's better to be cautious, Your Majesty, you'd better be more on guard." Although the emperor has favored Concubine Ning in recent days, she believes that the emperor still has some favor for his own queen, otherwise why would he specially have someone send a paper finch to her on the day he favored Concubine Ning?

Yun Xi was helping Zhuang Yuyan with her clothes. As she listened to their conversation, she interrupted and said, "I heard that Hua Cairen didn't live in Taoyu Pavilion originally, but later she moved to Taoyu Pavilion for some reason."

Zhuang Yuyan supported Bu Yao and said calmly, "She didn't live with Concubine Ning. It's her business and has nothing to do with us."

Tingzhu heard her calm tone and couldn't figure out whether Zhuang Yuyan didn't care or had already planned to deal with it. He adjusted the jade pendant that was pressing down on Zhuang Yuyan's skirt and said, "It's good that your Majesty has a plan in mind."

Before they had walked far on the sedan chair, Zhuang Yuyan saw Concubine Jiang Guipin, Kong Wanyi, and Concubine Ye Depin coming from another direction at a bend.

When the three of them saw Zhuang Yuyan, they all stepped down from their sedan chairs and saluted. Zhuang Yuyan had not expected that the three of them would walk together, so she said, "It's rare to see the three of you walking together."

"Your Majesty, a few days ago, Concubine Ye De moved in with me. Kong Wanyi lives close to me and I. We just met on the road and came here together." Concubine Jiang Gui replied, "Your Majesty is very busy, so I don't think she knows about such a small matter."

"I see. You three can hang out together more often in the future," Zhuang Yuyan smiled. "You two should go with me. It would be bad if the Empress had to wait for us."

Zhuang Yuyan looked back at Concubine Jiang who was following behind her. Recently, Concubine Jiang had been showing her favor frequently and even revealed to her intentionally or unintentionally some of the secrets of the harem in the past, the taboos and preferences of the concubines in each palace. Concubine Jiang had been in the palace for several years, so it was not surprising that she knew more than Zhuang Yuyan. What was strange was that she would actually tell Zhuang Yuyan.

There is no kindness without reason in the harem. Zhuang Yuyan doesn't believe that Concubine Jiang will suddenly treat her well because of the rumors about their promotion in the harem. Concubine Jiang is an extremely smart and rational woman. Since she did this, she must have her intentions.

I don’t know what this person is asking for, and whether she can give her what she wants.

In the Yu Garden, beauties of all kinds were either standing or sitting, and the palace maids and eunuchs beside them were serving them carefully. When Zhuang Yuyan and others arrived, there was another round of greetings and returns of greetings.

"Zhao Xianrong is here?" Concubine Ning was standing next to a cluster of crabapple flowers, which contrasted beautifully with the red crabapple pattern embroidered on her body, making her look indescribably leisurely and peaceful.

"I have met Concubine Ning," Zhuang Yuyan stepped forward to pay her respects, looking at the crabapple tree in front of Concubine Ning, "This crabapple tree is in full bloom."

"Gorgeous yet not vulgar, I really like this flower," Concubine Ning picked a red crabapple and smiled.

Zhuang Yuyan smiled upon hearing this, but did not answer. Just at this moment, Concubine Shu Gui arrived. Concubine Ning looked at the procession of Concubine Shu Gui coming towards them from afar and said lightly, "Concubine Shu Gui is more dazzling than this red crabapple." After saying that, she threw the crabapple in her hand casually, and the beautiful flower fell into the soil.

Zhuang Yuyan took a look at the crabapple tree and went forward with the other concubines to pay their respects to Concubine Shugui.

"If the Empress hadn't hosted a banquet today, I wouldn't have noticed that the flowers in the Yu Garden have blossomed so beautifully," Concubine Shugui exempted everyone from the formalities, held the hand of the Grand Maid Lingsha and walked to the side of the flowers. She glanced at the beauties present and sighed, "It's a pity that my favorite lily of the valley doesn't bloom at this time."

"Your Highness, the Empress knows that you like hostas, so she asked the skillful palace maids to make one for you. Please have a look," Diancui, one of the senior palace maids beside the Empress, bowed to the Imperial Concubine. Then two eunuchs brought up a flowerpot with hostas planted in it. The flower had heart-shaped green leaves and pure white flowers. No one could tell that the flower was made by humans.

Concubine Shugui glanced at the flowerpot, with a faint smile on her face, but she said, "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. I am sorry that my hobby has caused you trouble."

"It's hard for you to serve the emperor wholeheartedly. If we don't have your favorite flowers when we appreciate flowers, how can we justify it?" The queen supported He Yu and walked over with the palace maids and eunuchs. She obviously heard what Shu Guifei said. After everyone paid their respects, she smiled at Shu Guifei and said, "Besides, this is not a troublesome matter. I am the head of the harem. Some things are just a matter of talking."

The smile on Concubine Shu's face faded a little, "It's very considerate for the Queen to care about such small things as the concubine. The concubine has nothing to repay, so she can only help the Queen in the palace affairs in the future."

"You are a lovely person. You are nothing like Concubine Xiangui, who tries every possible way to avoid being around others," the queen smiled and stopped talking to Concubine Shugui and started chatting with other concubines instead.

Zhuang Luoyan watched the queen and Concubine Shu perform language arts. He sat down on the carved round stool that had been set up. He picked up the peach blossom cake on the table and took a bite. He found that the cake was sweet but not greasy, and it also had a hint of sweetness. The taste of peach made me take an extra bite.

"Empress Zhao Xianrong," a white figure appeared in front of Zhuang Yuyan. She looked up and saw that it was the peerless beauty who had just entered the palace.

"No need to be so polite, Mr. Ning," Zhuang Luoyan put down the half-eaten peach blossom cake in her hand and motioned for Mr. Ning to sit down. "This peach blossom cake tastes very good. Mr. Ning, you must try it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I had breakfast before I came here, so I'm not hungry yet." Lady Ning stood up and bowed, then sat down again. The hairpin in her hair swayed slightly with her movements.

A beauty is a beauty, pleasing to the eyes no matter how you look at her. Zhuang Luoyan smiled, "So that's how it is." Most people wearing white always give people a sense of artificiality. This noble lady of Ning was wearing a white wide-sleeved silk skirt embroidered with light pink flowers and a light blue glass silk draped over her shoulders. She looked extraordinary no matter how you looked at her. She was much more poetic than Xu Zhaorong.

"Why didn't Your Majesty go to appreciate the flowers?" Lady Ning looked at the cluster of flowers not far away with a dull expression on her face. She really didn't look like she was going to appreciate the flowers.

"Can't we enjoy flowers here?" Zhuang Yuyan took a sip from the teacup that Ting Zhu brought, "There are more flowers to enjoy here, and the colors are even more gorgeous."

Lady Ning nodded, as if agreeing with something, and said, "Your Majesty is someone who understands flowers, and I am sorry for disturbing your interest." After saying that, she stood up, bowed to Zhuang Yuyan, and left with the palace maids.

Zhuang Yuyanrao watched with interest as Ning Guiren bent her slender waist and took small steps. She put down her teacup, held her chin with her hand, tilted her head and looked at Tingzhu and Yunxi, "What do you think she is here for?"

Tingzhu and Yunxi shook their heads and looked at each other with doubtful eyes. Yunxi said, "It seems to me that this noble lady Ning is not very happy. She is dressed so simply. It is hard to guess her intentions."

Zhuang Yuyan smiled and didn't say anything else. This noble lady Ning was really interesting. Did she not want to be with other concubines? She had already been sent to the harem. Could it be that she didn't want to be the emperor's concubine? Even if she didn't have these thoughts, she had no other choice when she came to this place.

"The Emperor has turned over Lady Ning's cards several times in recent days. Why would she be unhappy?" Yun Xi whispered, "The other concubines are trying their best to attract the Emperor's attention."

Tingzhu's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he glanced in the direction where Mr. Ning left, "Who knows what Mr. Ning is thinking."

After admiring the flowers for a while, everyone felt tired and sat down according to their seats. The palace servants served them fruits and snacks, and the flower admiring soon turned into a tea party.

Zhuang Yuyan picked up a piece of tribute pineapple and ate it slowly, listening to the concubines talking about various flowers. She couldn't say anything and could only choose to listen in silence.

"By the way, Noble Ning, Consort Hua, and Consort Yan, you have been in the palace for a few days now. Are you feeling unwell?" The Queen seemed to suddenly remember the newcomers and looked at the three of them. "Noble Ning lives in Changtian Tower. With Consort Xu taking care of her, there will be no problem. The two of you live alone in Taoyu Pavilion. If you have any questions, you can ask the elders in the palace."

"Thank you, Madam. I and the others are all fine." Hua Cairen stood up and bowed to the empress. "The Taoyu Pavilion is very nice."

"That place is indeed nice," the queen smiled, "So Hyeon-yong originally lived in Taoyu Pavilion, and later moved to Xihe Palace. Especially the peach forest next to Taoyu Pavilion, every time at this time of year, beautiful peach blossoms will bloom, and many concubines in the harem love to go there to appreciate the flowers."

Hua Cairen said, "I have also heard that Empress Zhao Xianrong once lived in Taoyu Pavilion. It is truly an honor for me and others."

Zhuang Luoyan lowered her eyelids and curled the corners of her mouth slightly, "You are too kind, Mr. Hua." Taoyu Pavilion was really not a good place. When the emperor asked her to move out of Taoyu Pavilion, he renovated it that very night. She would definitely not believe it if she was told that there was nothing wrong with it.

"Today, the palace is holding this flower-viewing banquet just to let all the sisters get together," the queen did not talk much with the flower talent, and changed the subject, "After the emperor has dealt with the affairs of the court, we can start the banquet."

Upon hearing that the emperor would be coming, the expressions of some concubines changed. They tidied their clothes subtly in order to leave a good impression on the emperor.

Zhuang Yuyan lowered her head and thought, seducing the emperor in front of so many women would actually only create hatred.

Near noon, the emperor arrived as expected. The concubines paid their respects gracefully and surrounded the emperor to sit down. Then they each chose a seat and sat down. The flower-viewing banquet officially began.

Since it was a flower-viewing banquet, each dish was named after a flower, and some dishes were even made in the shape of flowers. Zhuang Yuyan ate a dish called "Wealthy Flowers" that was actually made of carrot shreds and some mushrooms. She thought with some emotion that after Emperor Chengxuan came to power, the harem had become extremely frugal. Even today's life is considered frugal, so I wonder what it was like when it was extravagant?

Don't live this life too comfortably.

"This fairy flower dish is well made. Appreciate it." Feng Jin put down his chopsticks and looked at Mr. Ning. "This dish should suit your taste. Try it more."

Upon hearing this, the palace maid behind Lady Ning raised her head and began to serve food to Lady Ning. However, her action made Feng Jin frown.

"Lady Ning, is this maid your personal maid?" Feng Jin took the handkerchief Gao Dezhong presented to her and wiped the corners of her mouth. When Lady Ning stood up and responded, he continued, "Then what about the injury on her arm?"

Lady Ning glanced at the palace maid behind her with a gloomy expression, but she didn't know how to answer.

"Your Majesty, I got this injury by accident this morning," the maid knelt on the ground, "The master didn't see it at the time, so he didn't know about it."

Feng Jin glanced at the palace maid calmly and said, "Since you are so careless, you don't have to serve Lady Ning. Gao Dezhong..."

"Your Majesty," Noble Ning's expression changed slightly, and he stood up and knelt down, "Chenxi's injury was caused by a palace maid beside Empress Xu Zhaorong this morning, and it was not caused by carelessness. I beg Your Majesty to understand."

"Xu Zhaorong?" Feng Jin looked at the pale-faced Xu Zhaorong, "Tell me what happened?"

"Your Majesty, I didn't know about this," Xu Zhaorong hurriedly stood up and apologized, "I will go back and investigate this matter thoroughly."

"Your Majesty, Xu Zhaorong was unaware of this matter, and the palace maid did not mean it this morning. I beg Your Majesty not to blame Empress Xu Zhaorong for this." Lady Ning bowed and pleaded for mercy for Xu Zhaorong.

"Although that palace maid was unintentional, she was also Xu Zhaorong's person. Although Xu Zhaorong said she didn't know, she was also negligent in observing," Feng Jian said calmly, "In this case, reduce Zhaorong's salary by half a year and remove her badge for two months as a punishment. She must not commit the same offense again in the future."

"I obey your command and thank you." Xu Zhaorong looked at Ning Guiren unwillingly, and in the end she could only bow to express her gratitude.

Zhuang Yuyan looked at this kind-hearted noble Ning and raised her eyebrows. The emperor had not yet mentioned that this was related to Xu Zhaorong, but this man had already pleaded for Xu Zhaorong. She didn't know whether he was trying to trick Xu Zhaorong or was really kind.

The emperor really didn't give Xu Zhaorong any face because a palace maid around a noble lady embarrassed a Zhaorong. This noble lady was really favored enough to force Xu Zhaorong to this point.

Feng Jin looked at the concubines and somehow saw Zhuang Yuyan, who had an expressionless face. He slightly shifted his sight and was somewhat reluctant to look at her expression. "I have used up most of them. It is time to return to the palace."

The emperor stopped eating, so how could anyone dare to say they were not full? Besides, they had just watched a good show, so everyone stood up and respectfully saw him off.

"Xu Zhaorong, don't be sad. The emperor was just angry for a moment," Concubine Shu Gui glanced at the elegant-looking Ning Guiren and said in a bad tone, "You have served the emperor for many years. The emperor will never forget you because of a random woman."

A casual woman? Zhuang Yuyan glanced at Concubine Shu Gui, and it seemed that Concubine Shu Gui didn't like Concubine Ning. But think about it, Concubine Shu Gui was originally the most beautiful among all the women, and now Concubine Ning came along and made her look better than she actually was, and she was favored by the emperor, so it would be abnormal for Concubine Shu Gui to like her.

"Although what Concubine Shu Gui said makes sense, as a master, you still have to manage your subordinates well," the Queen stood up and looked at Xu Zhaorong and said, "Although today's incident has nothing to do with you, you should think about why the Emperor wants to punish you."

The Queen's "I'm happy as long as you're unhappy" attitude towards Concubine Shugui made Zhuang Yuyan sigh again. It would be abnormal for every Queen to like a favorite concubine.

The Empress and Consort Shugui could say these words, but the others did not have the courage to do so and found excuses to leave. Zhuang Yuyan also took the opportunity to return to Xihe Palace. She did not want to stay among a group of women and act. It would be troublesome if her secrets were exposed.

After a while, the eunuch from the Internal Affairs Bureau came to deliver the imperial decree, saying that the Emperor had turned over her name card.

Zhuang Yuyan was a little surprised. She thought that the emperor would go to comfort the wronged Noble Lady Ning today. Wasn't he most interested in Noble Lady Ning recently? Why did he think of coming to her again?