Chapter 201: Mixed Doubles

Chapter 201

As Song Zhao entered the palace, the clamor among the palace maids instantly ceased, and they hurriedly approached her to pay their respects.

"We pay our respects to Consort Chen," they said in unison, bowing before her.

Song Zhao swept her gaze over them, and when her eyes met Rongyue's, a glimmer of delight appeared in both their eyes.

However, it was widely frowned upon in the palace to form cliques and alliances. If it became known that Song Zhao and Rongyue had a close relationship, it would only bring trouble to both of them.

Both Song Zhao and Rongyue understood this well, so neither of them revealed their joy at being reunited after a long separation.

With a slight smile on her lips, Song Zhao instructed everyone, "Please rise."

Among these palace maids, Runaren was the most adept at flattery. As soon as she straightened herself, she immediately stepped forward, smiling and ingratiating herself to Song Zhao.

"Consort Chen, you are with child. Why did you come here in person?" she said, her eyes filled with kindness.

Song Zhao looked at her with a benevolent expression and replied, "I happened to pass by here on my way back from the Empress Dowager's place, so I thought of coming in to have a look."

Runaren said, "When I was in Mongolia, I heard people say that there was a Consort Chen in the palace who was as beautiful as a heavenly fairy and greatly favored by the Emperor. I thought it was just a rumor, but now that I have seen you, I realize that no amount of embellishment in those rumors can compare to your exquisite beauty, Consort Chen."

The phrase "exquisite beauty" was originally used to describe the Empress.

Whether due to her poor command of the Chinese language or some other reason, Runaren used such words to describe Song Zhao.

It was evident that she was simply an indiscreet and ignorant person.

Song Zhao did not respond to her words and simply smiled, saying to everyone, "Please be seated."

Due to Rongyue's inconvenience in her legs, she hadn't reached the door yet when Song Zhao entered.

So she stood by the seat and paid her respects to Song Zhao.

At this moment, Runaren saw that Rongyue was occupying the best spot next to the ice jar and refused to give it up. She quickly walked two steps forward and deliberately pushed her aside.

Then she turned to Song Zhao with a smile on her face and said, "Consort Chen, please sit here."

Song Zhao glanced at the ice jar beside her and smiled, saying, "I am with child and cannot withstand the cold. It seems that my sister is wearing the elaborate and ornate attire of your tribe, which must be making her sweat. Sister, please have a seat."

"I thank Consort Chen for her concern!" Runaren was overjoyed and thanked Song Zhao before promptly sitting down, casting a proud glance at Rongyue. Fôllôw new stories at novelhall.com

Song Zhao couldn't bear to watch and stood up, saying, "It's time for me to take my medicine. I must return to the palace."

Consort Chen glanced at her, responded with a faint "Hmm," and said nothing more.

Once Consort Chen had walked away, the other court ladies dared to approach Ru Naren and express their concern.

"Sister Ru, are you alright? Your face is swollen..."

Tears welled up in Ru Naren's eyes, feeling deeply wronged. She also didn't want others to see her as a laughingstock, so she said bitterly, "Concubine Yi did it on purpose! Even without the support of her family, she..."

However, before she could finish her sentence, they saw Yun Shan returning with rewards in his hand.

"These jewelry pieces were bestowed upon Lady Yipin by the former emperor, empress dowager, and empress. The physician, Zhang Taiyi, who just examined your pulses, has confirmed that these items are made of top-quality gold and silver, without any flaws. You can wear them with peace of mind."

Everyone expressed their gratitude in unison, and Yun Shan proceeded to hand the jewelry box to each of them in turn.

When it was Ru Naren's turn, she licked her lips and said with a smiling face, "Thank you, Lady, for the bestowed gifts. The items in the palace must be of excellent quality! I... Ah!"

She had only uttered half of her flattering words when unexpectedly Yun Shan swiftly delivered a resounding slap across her face.

The force behind it was much stronger than the one Liu Yue had previously used!

Covering her face, Ru Naren looked at Yun Shan in astonishment and said, "You..."

*Smack*

Yun Shan's expression turned cold as she landed another loud slap.

"You're nothing more than a newly entered palace maid. How dare you speak disrespectfully and offend my lady?"

Ru Naren was dumbfounded by these two slaps. She stood motionless, holding her face, as tears the size of beans welled up in her eyes.

Yun Shan didn't spare her another glance and solemnly addressed the remaining maids:

"Lady Yipin asked this servant to deliver gifts to all the young ladies. I also have a message for you. Once you enter the palace, it's not the same as being at home. Remember to choose your words carefully, guard your actions, and be cautious of the consequences of your words."

The newly entered maids were frightened by this display. They didn't dare to breathe and could only respond in unison:

"We, the maids, will heed Lady Yipin's teachings..."