The two women, mistress and servant, were so engrossed in their own thoughts that they didn't notice who was approaching from behind.
The palace maids, eunuchs, and head maids in Minghua Palace were all arranged by the Empress. If the Empress gave an order to report, they would naturally not say a word.
Rong Yang carefully considered what they had just said and, after confirming that there was nothing inappropriate, felt a little more at ease.
Perhaps seeing through her thoughts, the Empress stepped in and personally helped her up. "Oh dear... Consort Xian, what are you doing! I finally managed to find some time to come to your palace, and you give me such a big gift as soon as you arrive."
Rong Yang stood up somewhat embarrassed and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty is too kind to me."
The Empress smiled gently and patted Rong Yang's hand lightly. "It's alright, it's alright. We're sisters, no need to be so formal. But you, you don't look too well. Is something wrong with you?"
Rong Yang shook her head and led them to sit down in the flower hall. She replied gently, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I only have occasional insomnia at night, but it's nothing serious."
Upon hearing this, the Empress frowned slightly, her concern evident in her words. "Insomnia can be a serious matter or a minor one; you can't take it lightly. I'll have the imperial physician examine you later and prescribe some calming medicine."
"Your Majesty, I thank you very much," Rong Yang said gratefully, curtsying with a warm feeling welling up in her heart. The Empress was always like this, caring for each concubine with meticulous attention to detail, making it hard to resist her gentleness and kindness.
The Empress looked around and saw that the palace was simply and elegantly decorated, yet tasteful. She nodded in approval and said, "You have done a really good job with Minghua Palace. It is both refreshing and refined, yet retains the royal style."
Rong Yang lowered her head modestly and said softly, "It's all thanks to the palace servants that Your Majesty just assigned to me. They have worked tirelessly to take care of everything in Minghua Palace."
"I am new here and know nothing about palace affairs. I have only been able to manage thanks to the capable assistants Your Majesty has bestowed upon me. This is all thanks to Your Majesty's kindness and the hard work of these palace servants. I am deeply grateful."
"You..."
The Empress gently shook her head, a hint of helplessness and doting in her eyes.
Since entering the Great Jing Palace, she has always been cautious in her words and deeds, living a secluded life and trying her best to avoid getting involved in the palace's conflicts.
However, during this period, because of the emperor's exclusive favor towards Rong Yang, the ministers of the previous dynasty rose up in attack, and their words were so fierce that they were astonishing.
Rumors inevitably spread to the inner palace. Although the Empress tried her best to quell the unrest, she was ultimately unable to completely quell it.
The Empress knew that Rong Yang was too gentle and did not fight for anything, and that such a personality would inevitably cause her to suffer in the harem.
Although she wasn't worried that Rong Yang would become the target of public criticism, she was afraid that Rong Yang would suffer injustices in the deep palace and have to bear them silently.
Therefore, the Empress specially brought her sisters to Minghua Palace today, wanting to give Rongyang some comfort and support.
"Consort Xian, do you know why I brought my sisters to your Minghua Palace today?"
The Empress sighed softly, her gaze gentle yet meaningful as she looked at Rong Yang. Her words revealed her care and expectations for Rong Yang, hoping that Rong Yang would understand her good intentions.
Upon hearing this, Rong Yang's heart stirred slightly. She looked up at the Empress, her eyes flashing with gratitude and doubt.
She replied softly, "Your Majesty is foolish and thought that Your Majesty took pity on me for being alone in the palace and came to keep me company. But I also vaguely sensed that Your Majesty's actions must have a deeper meaning, but I cannot understand it for the time being."
The Empress smiled gently and deeply, her eyes filled with concern and understanding for Consort Xian. "Consort Xian, I am truly concerned for you. I heard that you have not stepped out of the palace gates for four consecutive days, and your daily meals are barely enough to make ends meet. How can your body withstand this?"
"That's right, Consort Xian."
Consort Lan picked up where the Empress left off, her tone carrying an undeniable firmness, "No matter what difficulties we face, food is the foundation of life and should never be neglected. If you continue like this, won't you only make us, your elder sisters, even more worried?"
Consort Zhao also looked worried, her bright eyes sparkling with deep concern for Consort Xian. "Consort Xian, are you still not used to the food of the Great Jing?"
If that's the case, feel free to tell us, and we'll work together to figure something out that will improve your appetite.
Faced with their concern, Rong Yang gently bit her lip, a hint of indescribable helplessness and gratitude flashing in her eyes, "Sisters, you've misunderstood. It's not because of the food."
She explained softly, her voice trembling slightly, "It's just that I've been having some worries lately that I can't shake off, which is why I've lost my appetite and made my sisters worry."
Upon hearing this, Consort De's gaze softened even more. She gently patted Consort Xian's slightly cold hand, as if to pass on her warmth and strength to her, "If you have any difficulties, sister, please don't bear them alone."
We're sisters, we should be in this together through thick and thin. If you have any unspeakable difficulties, feel free to tell us, and we'll help you bear them.
"Yes, Consort Xian."
The Empress spoke up at the opportune moment, her voice gentle yet firm, filled with undeniable power, "Although there are not many sisters in the palace, the affection between them is deep. Although I dare not claim to be omnipotent, as long as you ask for my help, I will do my utmost to assist you."
Consort Shu gently took Consort Xian's hand and said, "Consort Xian, life in the palace may seem glamorous, but only we ourselves can truly understand the hardships and difficulties we face."
If you have anything bothering you, please feel free to tell us. We may not be able to solve all your problems immediately, but talking about it will always bring you some relief.
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