She has always had a difficult temper, and unless there is something important, ordinary people will not rush to get close to her. So when the news of Zhaoqing Palace closing to guests was released, anyone with any ulterior motives immediately retreated and kept their distance, not daring to have any improper thoughts.
All the palaces knew Rong Ning's temperament and were afraid that she would cause trouble again upon her return, disturbing their peace. So they came to Consort Rong's Chaoyang Palace one after another to sound her out.
Rong Ning's return was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. The concubines in the various palaces were filled with unease, fearing that Rong Ning's return would disrupt the existing peace and plunge their lives into chaos once again.
So they all went to the Imperial Concubine's Chaoyang Palace, hoping to get some guidance from her, or to be told directly what to do, so that they could be prepared.
The Imperial Concubine, however, was too lazy to deal with the situation; how could she possibly know what to do?
Back in the mansion, Rong Ning and she didn't have much interaction. After Rong Ning turned ten, she stayed in the mansion even less. Later, when she entered the palace, Rong Yang always took the lead in everything, and as a Noble Consort, she rarely had the opportunity to interfere in their affairs.
Now that Rong Ning's status is extraordinary, even the Imperial Concubine has no say in the matter. Therefore, she directly claimed to be unwell, closed the palace to guests, and refused all the concubines who came to inquire about the news.
The Imperial Concubine knew Rong Ning's temperament. She knew that although the girl was eccentric, she was not unreasonable. As long as one did not cross her bottom line or provoke her, Rong Ning would not make enemies without reason.
Therefore, the Imperial Concubine chose the wisest approach: to maintain distance and avoid unnecessary conflict with Rong Ning.
Seeing that the Imperial Concubine was behaving this way, the other concubines also refrained from making any further moves and quietly waited to see how things would develop. They dared not take any further action.
They began to restrain their behavior, ceasing their inquiries about news. They believed that as long as they kept a low profile and avoided Rong Ning's attention, their lives would not be greatly affected. Thus, the entire palace fell into an unusual tranquility for a period of time.
Although the Imperial Concubine had closed the palace and refused all visitors, the atmosphere inside Chaoyang Palace was still lively and bustling.
The Eighth Princess, this lively and adorable little princess, is currently in the mischievous stage of learning to walk and crawling. The Imperial Concubine can now put aside almost all her affairs and wholeheartedly accompany her daughter, watching her grow day by day and enjoying the joyful time between mother and daughter.
The little girl played in the courtyard of Chaoyang Palace for the whole morning until she was exhausted, and now she is lying in her cradle, snoring sweetly.
Despite the sweltering heat, the imperial concubine insisted on fanning her beloved daughter, hoping to bring her some coolness.
As the afternoon passed, the Imperial Concubine herself felt drowsy, and she propped her head up and began to doze off.
Just then, the head palace maid tiptoed into the room. She carefully leaned close to the Consort's ear and whispered, "Your Highness, Eunuch Qi from His Majesty's side has arrived!"
Upon hearing this news, the Imperial Concubine immediately became much more sober.
Eunuch Qi, a favorite of the emperor, would not visit without a reason; it meant the emperor had important matters to instruct him on.
The Imperial Concubine sighed almost imperceptibly. She handed the fan to the maidservant beside her, instructing them to take good care of the Eighth Princess. She then quickly tidied her appearance and strode towards the front hall to meet the guests.
The front hall of Chaoyang Palace was decorated in a magnificent manner, with its gilded pillars and exquisite murals showcasing the imperial dignity.
The Imperial Concubine entered the front hall and saw Eunuch Qi standing there respectfully. He was still smiling like a Bodhisattva, his eyes narrowed into slits, looking very kind.
Before the Imperial Concubine even arrived, her voice preceded her words, "Eunuch Qi... if there's anything you need, you could have just sent someone to tell me. Why did you have to come all the way here yourself!"
Eunuch Qi wore the same smile he never showed, as if time had left no trace on his face. He bowed respectfully and said, "This old servant greets Your Highness, may Your Highness enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
"You're too kind, Eunuch Qi!" The Imperial Concubine smiled slightly and gestured to the maid beside her, "Qing'er, serve tea!"
Her words were full of respect and courtesy towards the old eunuch.
"Your Majesty need not trouble yourself. This old servant will leave as soon as I have spoken." Eunuch Qi stopped him with a smile. "His Majesty sent this old servant to deliver a message, asking Your Majesty to go to the Chu residence and bring Miss Chu into the palace to attend tonight's family banquet."
The Imperial Concubine's brows twitched slightly. She might have some doubts in her heart, but she dared not delay for a moment and quickly said, "Since Your Majesty says so, then I will send someone to the Chu residence now. It is still early, and Miss Chu can make preparations."
Her words revealed her absolute obedience to the emperor's orders and her concern for Miss Chu.
"Your Majesty is at ease with your actions!" Eunuch Qi bowed respectfully, every movement of his utmost demeanor showing propriety and deference. "Then this old servant will take his leave!"
Eunuch Qi arrived suddenly and left quickly. After seeing him off, Consort Gui leaned back in her chair and said weakly, "It seems His Majesty values this girl from the Chu family very much."
However, inviting the Chu family's daughter to this family banquet was somewhat abrupt.
Perhaps it was also to give the crown prince more opportunities to spend time with the young lady.
That's enough... that's enough...
These are not things she should care about. As a concubine, she has no right to interfere in the affairs of the crown prince.
"Qing'er..." The Imperial Concubine beckoned and whispered, "Go to the Chu residence in person, bring Miss Chu into the palace, explain the situation to Madam Chu, and don't let her worry."
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