The Empress and Consort Hua exchanged glances, their eyes meeting like an electric shock, sparking intense tension.
However, after a short while, the Empress and Consort Hua turned their heads away in mutual disgust.
The Empress said, "No matter how good the tonics are, they cannot be used too often. In the end, it is still the grains that nourish the body."
"Alright, it's about time, everyone can go home now."
"Your Majesty, I respectfully see you off."
[It's finally over. I need to go back and rest for a while. Speaking of last night, it was supposed to be Sister Mei's turn to shine.]
[If I flap my butterfly wings, will I accidentally knock away Sister Mei's favor?]
If Sister Mei falls out of favor, will Big Orange make me compete against Fatty Hua?
[Please don't! I'm too weak and helpless to take care of myself; I can't withstand Fatty Hua's iron fist!]
Having experienced this several times before, Shen Meizhuang was no longer surprised by this voice, but now she finally knew who was speaking in her mind.
This Lady Cheng appears so proper and refined, a true lady from a distinguished family. Who would have thought she would be so unconventional behind the scenes? Her thoughts and actions are clearly those of two different people.
However, judging from what she said, she should have been the first among the newcomers to receive the most favor yesterday.
Deep down, Shen Meizhuang felt a little disappointed.
She knew from the beginning that her parents hoped she would enter the palace and bring honor to the family. All the learning she had done over the years was aimed at becoming a qualified imperial concubine.
Whoever was the first to serve the emperor in bed was considered to be more favored. Regardless of anything else, from a young girl's perspective, she hoped to be the most special one in her husband's eyes.
However, what she heard at this moment was a real blow to her.
Did the Emperor favor her so that she could stand against Consort Hua? Therefore, the reason why she was later elevated to the highest heights and then plunged into hell, and was even harmed and died in childbirth, lies here.
Thinking of what she had seen and heard in the past few days, Shen Meizhuang realized that Consort Hua was arrogant and domineering, and relied on the Emperor's favor and Nian Gengyao's power to run rampant in the harem.
Even the Empress had to yield a bit, let alone the other concubines. Xia Shi is a case in point.
If the Emperor were to summon her too often, Consort Hua would surely regard her as a mortal enemy. Given Consort Hua's fickle nature, capable of stirring up trouble even when there's no smoke, how could she possibly have a good life?
Therefore, there's no need to argue about who's right or wrong in the short term. We need to carefully consider what to do before making a decision.
In just a few breaths, Shen Meizhuang had thought of so much. She secretly reminded herself to befriend Sun Miaoqing so that she could learn more.
Now that she has entered the palace as a Noble Lady, from the moment she stepped into Zhenshun Gate, what she is fighting for is not favor, but her life!
Seeing Sun Miaoqing walking ahead, Shen Meizhuang quickly followed.
"Sister Sun, wait a minute."
When Sun Miaoqing saw her catching up, although the two didn't usually have a close relationship, they were still on relatively good terms.
Moreover, she really liked Sister Mei, and truly lived up to the saying, "I'd rather die embracing the fragrance of the branch than be blown away by the north wind."
"Did you call me for something, dear sister?"
Shen Meizhuang said, "It's nothing. It's just that Xianfu Palace and Chuxiu Palace are adjacent. If you don't mind, we can go back together and keep each other company."
[Sister Mei's voice is so gentle, of course I don't mind!!!]
Sun Miaoqing said, "Sister, what are you saying? We were selected together during the palace selection, entered the palace on the same day, and lived close by. This is what you call fate."
Shen Meizhuang said, "Sister, you really know how to talk. No wonder the Empress and Consort Hua both like you."
Sun Miaoqing said, "Sister Mei is gentle and virtuous, and the Empress and Consort Hua also like her very much."
[Unsolicited favors are always suspicious; there's no smoke without fire. Consort Hua is a given, relying entirely on Cao Qinmo for advice. The Empress is the most cunning; I don't want to attract their attention at all.]
However, as long as I don't have children, the Empress won't really harm me. But she'll probably use tactics like sowing discord and flattery to undermine me.
Shen Meizhuang was surprised. So, the children who had disappeared in the palace might all be the Empress's doing. Could her future difficult childbirth and postpartum hemorrhage also be related to the Empress?
Before Shen Meizhuang could think it over, she heard what Sun Miaoqing was thinking.
I had clearly decided to close the door and live my own quiet life, not to get involved in these things, but trouble just kept coming to me.
It's all because of that fat orange cat, and my irresistible charm!
Meizhuang couldn't help but burst out laughing; her sister Sun's thoughts were quite interesting.
Sun Miaoqing, unaware of the details, asked curiously, "Sister, have you thought of something interesting?"
"You're laughing so happily, why don't you tell me so I can share in your joy?"
Meizhuang suppressed her smile and casually said, "It's nothing, I just suddenly remembered the lion cat my mother keeps at home."
"Its fur is snow-white, like a snowball, and it has heterochromia."
"He was usually very noble, with a pair of cold eyes looking down on everyone."
But once you get to know her, you'll realize that her aloofness is just an exterior; in reality, she loves being touched and praised.
"I've missed her quite a bit since I last saw her."
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