Rewards were sent into Ruiyun Palace in a continuous stream.
From the emperor's handwritten plaques and portraits to precious silk fabrics...
Zhao Xu was even more attentive. Even though it was just a matter of passing on a message, he would come and watch it in person.
Shui Ling’s three meals a day are prepared by a special imperial chef using the best ingredients; the rouge and powder that Shui Ling uses are the best quality products that were just presented in Jiangnan this year.
This level of attention is unprecedented.
For a time, Shui Ling became the most dazzling person in the entire harem.
She was as happy as a wild horse that had broken free from its reins. She dressed up beautifully every day and ran around everywhere, wishing that everyone could see the emperor's favor for her.
Within a few days, everyone knew that Concubine Ling had become the richest woman in the country, and everyone knew that Concubine Gui had fallen out of favor.
At the end of July, the sun was scorching and the heat was unbearable.
Inside the main hall of Ruiyun Palace, several large blocks of ice in a basin were slowly melting, emitting a refreshing coolness.
Two little palace maids stood not far behind Shui Ling, gently fanning her.
Shui Ling held a small silver fork in her hand, slowly picked up a piece of seeded summer melon and brought it to her mouth, enjoying the meal very much.
"Your Majesty, the virtuous concubine has been waiting outside for a long time. You are very popular now, and if you offend her, you may get into unnecessary trouble." Fu Ping reminded in a gentle voice.
Shui Ling sneered, "A woman who has long been forgotten by the Emperor, how dare she act so arrogantly in front of me?"
Short-sighted and ignorant.
Do you really think that you can become a phoenix by serving the emperor for two days? How pathetic and ridiculous!
Fu Ping was extremely contemptuous in his heart, but his face still showed an obedient, submissive and proud look.
"Your Majesty, you are deeply favored by the Emperor, naturally no one else can compare to you. But..."
Fu Ping suddenly looked worried and knelt down: "Your Majesty, the rank of Consort Xian is higher than yours. If the Emperor knew that you were ignoring her like this, it would probably have some consequences..."
Shui Ling realized it later: "That's right, I can't let the emperor think that I don't know etiquette and am arrogant because of my favor."
After hesitating for a while, she said helplessly: "Forget it, go and invite the virtuous concubine in."
"yes."
After receiving the order, Fu Ping quickly got up and walked out.
After a while, Concubine Xian came in from outside with a smile.
She said kindly, "I heard that my sister couldn't eat because of the trouble. I was very worried and came to check on her."
"I am timid by nature, and the Emperor has specially permitted me not to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager, nor to allow others to disturb my rest at Ruiyun Palace. I was taking a nap just now, and I didn't know that Sister Xianfei had suddenly arrived. I hope you won't blame me for being inattentive."
Shui Ling spoke politely, but every word she said was full of boasting.
She was still lying lazily on the couch, not even getting up to pay her respects to the virtuous concubine.
The smile on Concubine Xian's face froze for a moment.
You don’t have to pay respects to the Queen Mother, and you can hide in Ruiyun Palace and not see anyone else!
It seems that the Emperor really has some preference for Shui Ling! Even the Imperial Concubine has never been treated this way!
No wonder they dared to let her wait at the gate of Ruiyun Palace for so long! She was so sunburned that she felt dizzy and exhausted!
Humph, you can tell at first glance that he is not very smart.
Well, her trip wasn't in vain. As long as her goal was achieved, it didn't matter if she basked in the sun.
"I came uninvited, which was rude of me. I only deserve to wait a little longer. Besides, we are good sisters, so why should I blame you?"
The virtuous concubine found a way out for herself with just a few words.
She turned around and took the basket of grapes from Dongmei's hand. "These jade grapes are crystal clear, thin-skinned, juicy, crisp, and sweet. They're perfect for cooling off in the scorching summer heat."
“Hehehe…”
Shui Ling covered her mouth and giggled, "The Emperor sent a lot of things over here: Tremella and Bird's Nest Soup, Osmanthus Eight Treasure Soup, Ice Snow Cold Yuanzi, Mint and Snow Pear Tea. Sushan, summer melon... I'm tired of them all."
After that, she stood up again, picked up a piece of chilled summer melon with a small fork, and ate it with relish.
“…”
The virtuous concubine was extremely embarrassed.
No one took the jade grapes from her hand. Shui Ling didn't care about the jade grapes that she treasured like a treasure.
What’s even more infuriating is that all of Shui Ling’s things were awarded by the emperor.
Shui Ling didn't think her words would offend anyone at all.
She looked at Fu Ping beside her and ordered, "I remember there are still a lot of things in the ice jar. Go get some for Sister Xian Fei to taste."
"yes."
Fu Ping quickly did as he was told.
The virtuous concubine forced a smile and placed the basket of jade grapes on the table. She said flatteringly, "Sister is indeed as favored by the Emperor as the rumors say."
Shui Ling didn't bother to elaborate, and said bluntly, "Sister Xianfei came to see me specifically, so it shouldn't be just to give me two bunches of grapes, right?"
Xian Fei shook her head, her face downcast, and said worriedly, "I heard some bad things the other day, and I was really scared. I couldn't help it, so I wanted to come and warn Sister Shui Ling."
"Oh? What?" Shui Ling was a little curious.
Concubine Xian sighed and looked up at the palace maid behind Shui Ling, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
Shui Ling turned around and said to the palace maid, "Everyone, go down."
"yes."
The palace maids put down their fans and left in an orderly manner.
The two maids beside Concubine Xian also retreated.
The door was opened and then closed.
Seeing that no one else was in the room, Concubine Xian sighed, "Sister Shui Ling, there have always been those who are happy and those who are sad in the harem. The Emperor loves you, so naturally there are those who hate you."
Shui Ling smiled indifferently and said, "Let them hate me, I just love seeing them envy me but feel anxious about not being able to replace me. Before, those people in Rongxiang Palace always looked down on me and mocked me. Now, when they see me, they have to kneel down and pay their respects."
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