[As expected, Hua Pangpang may forget everyone else, but he'll never forget Huanhuan and Meijie, after all, they'll be locked in a love-hate relationship for many years to come!]
Hua Pangpang: ?!
Consort Hua, who hadn't really taken the two to heart, suddenly became serious.
After carefully examining the two people kneeling on the ground, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
This woman, Shen Meizhuang, lived up to her name; not only was she dressed extremely elegantly, but her skin was also as delicate as cream.
Her overall demeanor, though dressed in a pink dress, made her seem like a green chrysanthemum in autumn.
Although Consort Wan was dressed simply, her beauty was still undeniable. When the new concubines paid their respects to the Empress, she was not standing in the first position, yet she was still easily noticed.
How could the Emperor not be tempted after seeing this?
"His Majesty truly has a discerning eye; every single woman selected this time is so outstanding."
"Alright, get up, everyone."
"Thank you, Consort Hua."
Seeing Consort Hua's demeanor, Shen Meizhuang wanted to flatter her, "Consort Hua..."
[Sister Mei is about to misspoke; "national beauty and heavenly fragrance" is a phrase used to describe the Empress.]
The Empress values her status as the principal wife above all else. With Mei-jie's words, regardless of whether Consort Hua tried to stir up trouble or whether Zhen Huan managed to smooth things over, the Empress has been thoroughly offended.
Upon hearing this, Shen Meizhuang swallowed back the words "national beauty".
Consort Hua asked, "Does Noble Lady Shen have something to say?"
Shen Meizhuang said, "Consort Hua's beauty is so stunning that it could make fish sink and geese fall from the sky, and the moon hide its face and flowers blush. She is the envy of all. We concubines are but fireflies, how dare we compete with her brilliance?"
Consort Hua said, "Noble Lady Shen has such a sweet tongue, but I do indeed deserve your compliment."
Seeing Consort Hua's arrogant and confident demeanor, Sun Miaoqing was truly tempted.
【Ugh, how can she be so narcissistic!】
But I love it!
This person may seem mentally unstable, but he has a good eye for talent.
Consort Hua was extremely pleased and continued to ask, "And who is Consort Cheng?"
[My turn? Is Hua Pangpang trying to give me a hard time? No way, my brother gave her and Nian Gengyao so many generous gifts. Don't they say you're obligated to accept gifts?]
"This concubine, Sun Miaoqing, a palace maid in the Chuxiu Palace, greets Consort Hua."
Consort Hua's eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Sun Miaoqing kneeling and bowing.
Could those words actually be what Sun Miaoqing was thinking?
However, thinking of the silks, satins, gold and silver jewelry that Sun Miaoqing's brother, Sun Zhuhe, the Suzhou textile commissioner, had sent to her palace, she was overwhelmed with regret.
Furthermore, since Sun Miaoqing clearly wasn't someone who could gain favor, Consort Hua felt a little hesitant to punish her.
Seeing that Consort Hua did not react, Sun Miaoqing had a lot on her mind.
[Hey, why isn't Hua Pangpang reacting? Is he shocked by my stunningly beautiful appearance, which has improved so much in just two months?]
[All that applying of those dozen or so perfumes and face creams every day was definitely worth it. Maybe after a few more months, I can achieve a radiant complexion like Bingbing.]
Upon hearing such a shameless remark, Consort Hua almost couldn't hold back. She quickly covered herself with a silk handkerchief and then cleared her throat.
"Cheng Changzai seems very confident, but her appearance is natural. No amount of makeup can enhance her beauty. True beauty lies in the bone structure, not just the skin."
Sun Miaoqing said, "Thank you for your guidance, Consort Hua. I understand."
[Hey, how does Hua Pangpang know what I'm thinking? Am I really that bad at controlling my facial expressions?]
Consort Hua became extremely wary, determined not to let Sun Miaoqing know that she could hear her thoughts.
Otherwise, not only would we miss the opportunity, but who knows what kind of backing this demon might have, or whether she might become enraged.
Wait, it seems she even made them kneel!
Consort Hua realized what was happening and, with a gentleness she had never shown to her concubines before, helped Sun Miaoqing up.
"I was so focused on talking that I forgot my sister was still kneeling. I'm so sorry."
"Is my little sister tired?"
Sun Miaoqing was completely baffled. Why would Consort Hua suddenly be so kind to her?
"Thank you for your consideration, Consort Hua. It is only my duty."
[Why does Hua Pangpang seem to have changed his personality? Could it be that his brother and sister-in-law are giving him too much money?]
Consort Hua...
May I return those things?
After everyone paid their respects to Consort Qi, Consort Li, and Consort Jing, and also introduced themselves to Noble Lady Cao and others, the Empress continued speaking.
"From now on, we will all serve in the palace. Firstly, we must do our best to serve the Emperor and ensure that the Emperor has an heir."
"Secondly, you must be of one mind and one heart with the other concubines, and get along harmoniously. You must not cause any trouble or jealousy that would upset the Emperor. Do you understand?"
Everyone answered in unison, "Yes."
The Empress continued, "Originally, I was supposed to take you to Shou Kang to pay your respects to the Empress Dowager today, but the Empress Dowager is devoted to Buddhism and instructed that you do not need to go and pay your respects."
"Everyone is tired today, let's go back and rest."
"Yes, Your Majesty, we shall take our leave."
[The Empress Dowager is so kind; she doesn't engage in formalism. She got up before dawn, stood and knelt repeatedly—it was exhausting! Finally, I can go back and rest for a while.]
[Is the Empress heading to Shou Kang Palace right now? Otherwise, if Si Ji gets into trouble near Jing Ren Palace later, she'll be completely shameless pretending not to know anything while still in her own palace.]
The Empress stiffened as she turned to leave, and Jianqiu asked cautiously, "Your Majesty?"
After a moment's thought, the Empress decided to go to Shou Kang Palace.
Xia Dongchun is not only stupid but also likes to cause trouble. It's good that Consort Hua dealt with her. If we save her, she might cause some more trouble later and get involved.
The Empress said, "It's nothing, let's go to the Empress Dowager's place."
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