Li Helan smiled as she linked arms with the Empress Dowager, pouting petulantly, “Mother, why are you summoning those two? Without them, we could have so much more fun by ourselves. Just seeing them makes my heart irritated.”
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager tapped Li Helan’s forehead, “You child, aren’t you being too selfish? This entire imperial palace belongs to your imperial brother’s family. If you can’t accept your imperial brother’s relatives, how will you have the face to move about in your imperial brother’s home in the future?”
Li Helan was choked into silence, thinking of Li Qitian’s increasingly difficult temperament, her heart still filled with fear.
“Fine then. You can just summon Consort Shun. But what kind of relative is that little vixen Qin Yining? She’s just relying on having a pretty face and a husband skilled in warfare, acting all high and mighty like she’s worth twenty-five to eighty thousand, grabbing at everything whether it’s her place or not—shameless!”
Consort Yun glanced at Li Helan’s crude language, the mockery in her lowered gaze flashing and disappearing.
She’s still a Princess Imperial, yet she speaks like a village woman.
However, this showed that Li Helan indeed harbored even deeper resentment over Qin Yining being appointed as the wedding envoy. But any observer thinking carefully would realize this matter was ordered by imperial decree—Qin Yining could only comply with the order, right? The Princess Imperial was simply transferring her anger because she couldn’t get what she wanted. If the Empress Dowager were sensible, she should clarify this matter to prevent the conflict between the Princess Imperial and Qin Yining from deepening. Yet the Empress Dowager remained silent.
Consort Yun’s eyes rolled, immediately understanding the Empress Dowager’s meaning. She smiled and said, “Princess Imperial is of noble golden lineage—why bother calculating with a foolish woman? This servant heard that this Qin woman was originally raised by savages in the mountains, a little savage herself. Who knows what high incense she burned to later be recognized and brought back by Lord Qin.”
Li Helan glanced sideways at Consort Yun, only snorting through her nose as acknowledgment. She looked down on Qin Yining, but equally looked down on this seductive fox.
Consort Yun was nearly angered to the point of falling backward, yet dared not show any dissatisfaction before the Empress Dowager. She could only laugh dryly as she moved to the other side of the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager patted the back of Consort Yun’s hand soothingly, then instructed palace maids to quickly invite Princess Tana and Qin Yining over.
At this moment, Qin Yining was hanging her head, listening to Princess Tana’s lecture.
“You, an outer-court wife, dressing so seductively in the palace—what’s your meaning? Aren’t you trying to seduce His Majesty? This palace tells you, don’t even dream of it.” Princess Tana’s Dazhou speech had improved considerably. Though her accent was strange, she could at least express her meaning clearly.
This made scolding people much smoother.
Qin Yining knew about Princess Tana’s petty thoughts and didn’t take it to heart, responding perfunctorily, “Consort Shun is overthinking. If Consort Shun learns proper speech and etiquette, this subject’s wife can naturally request leave to depart. Then you won’t have to continue looking at this subject’s wife’s detestable face, right? So, for your peace of mind and this subject’s wife’s comfort, your Dazhou etiquette still needs to be studied properly.”
Princess Tana glared at Qin Yining in fury, slamming the table hard, “You! Go change this outfit! You’re not allowed to wear this color!”
Qin Yining looked down at her lake-blue jacket—this was one of the more modest outfits she’d brought to the palace, with only light-colored twining grape patterns embroidered at the sleeves and collar, symbolizing abundant offspring and good fortune. Qin Yining sighed softly, about to go change clothes when a eunuch suddenly came to report from outside.
“Reporting to Consort Shun, the Empress Dowager requests you and Princess Consort Zhongshun to come to the warm pavilion in the Imperial Garden to enjoy spring together.”
Princess Tana squinted, her displeasure flashing briefly.
She was very impatient about dealing with that old woman, the Empress Dowager.
That old woman had the look of a mean person, as if every wrinkle on her face harbored schemes and calculations—truly detestable.
But during her time living in Dazhou, she’d heard palace servants talking and discovered that all the imperial consorts were trying to please the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was the Emperor’s mother, so naturally the Emperor would favor consorts who got along well with the Empress Dowager. She was currently favored for her beauty, but if the Emperor ever tired of her, having a good relationship with the Empress Dowager might mean the Empress Dowager could put in good words for her.
With this thought, Princess Tana always tried to restrain her sharp edges before the Empress Dowager, never showing any annoyance or strangeness. Even if the Empress Dowager was cold to her, she would treat her with courtesy, showing the same patience she used to please His Majesty to win over the Empress Dowager.
Therefore, Princess Tana’s impatience only flashed across her face briefly, instantly transforming into a delighted smile.
“Really? How wonderful! This palace has been missing the Empress Dowager and was just thinking of accompanying her for a walk.” Princess Tana stood up, happily calling for palace servants. After walking a few steps, she glanced sideways at Qin Yining with ill humor, “Don’t bother changing clothes. Let’s go now. Don’t delay and spoil the Empress Dowager’s mood.”
“Yes.”
Qin Yining nodded in agreement, turning to call Bingtang and Ji Yun, “You two return to the room and fetch me a wide-sleeved outer robe.”
The moment their eyes met, both Bingtang and Ji Yun’s hearts rang with alarm.
This was the first time the Empress Dowager had invited both Consort Shun and Qin Yining out together. When something unusual happens, there must be a reason—the Princess Consort was reminding them to go back and bring everything they should bring.
Bingtang and Ji Yun immediately complied, hurrying toward the side hall.
Qin Yining followed behind Princess Tana as they left together, descending the marble steps.
Princess Tana glanced at Qin Yining’s sickly beauty appearance and said disdainfully, “It’s already so warm, yet you’re still wearing wide sleeves? Your constitution is too weak. If this were on our grasslands, no man would find you appealing. A woman like you who might not even be able to bear children wouldn’t be worth as much as a fine horse!”
Qin Yining gently curved her lips, nodding in agreement, “Consort Shun is right. When I gave birth before, it indeed nearly cost me half my life. Consort Shun is strong and healthy—childbirth will certainly be easy for you in the future.”
Princess Tana first tilted her head proudly, “Of course. Our women are all very robust. We can ride horses, do household work, herd livestock, and when enemies come, we can take up weapons. When our women get fierce, they’re even more brave in battle than your cavalry. Unlike you women here who can’t survive without men’s protection, spending all day dolling yourselves up like flowers to win pity—disgusting.”
Qin Yining smiled and nodded, “Yes.”
Princess Tana walked a few more steps before realizing something was wrong.
“Are you mocking me for not having children?”
“You’re overthinking.” Qin Yining replied deferentially.
Princess Tana frowned suspiciously. Qin Yining’s words just now were clearly mocking her—having a strong body yet no children, while the delicate Qin Yining had a pair of twins.
Princess Tana grew even more irritated, “Don’t get smug! Even if you have sons, having the fate to raise them properly is what counts as your skill!”
Qin Yining frowned at this. Before she could retort, Princess Tana added:
“You Dazhou women are truly detestable!”
Both Qin Yining and the palace maids following behind couldn’t help but look up at Princess Tana’s back.
Princess Tana wasn’t stupid, just spoiled and accustomed to never considering others’ feelings. With her previous status, she never needed to consider others’ feelings when acting. In her eyes, these serving palace maids weren’t even human—perhaps no different from tables and chairs, all disposable objects that could be beaten or killed at will.
But Qin Yining understood the principle that human hearts are unpredictable. Even the most insignificant person could play an unpredictable role at crucial moments.
She smiled reassuringly at the nearby palace maids.
The palace maids smiled back, lowering their heads again to follow Princess Tana’s steps.
At this time, Bingtang and Ji Yun caught up carrying a moon-white wide-sleeved outer robe for Qin Yining, draping it over her shoulders.
Qin Yining smiled, “Thank you for the trouble.”
Both shook their heads, “Princess Consort must not say such things—this is our duty.”
Their harmonious interaction looked enviable to the Chuxiu Palace servants.
The Imperial Garden covered quite an extensive area. Without a eunuch to guide them, they probably couldn’t find the warm pavilion where the Empress Dowager was located anytime soon.
As they walked along the stone brick path, the Empress Dowager, Consort Yun, and Li Helan in the warm pavilion had already seated themselves and ordered servants to open all the latticed windows around the pavilion.
“So slow. That Tatar woman must be showing disrespect to Mother. And that Qin woman—the Tatar woman spends all day with that Qin vixen, certainly won’t learn anything good. Mother should be more careful in the future, don’t let those two scheme against you.” Li Helan shook the Empress Dowager’s arm as she spoke.
The Empress Dowager said, “I know you detest the Qin woman. Isn’t your current life sufficient? Just live your own life well—you needn’t interfere in my affairs.”
Li Helan pouted but knew she couldn’t persuade otherwise. Looking up, she saw through the latticed windows a group of people approaching from afar.
Princess Tana wore a fresh crimson round-collar narrow-sleeved long robe. On her head was a hat adorned with pearls and jeweled tassels, her tall figure and ruddy complexion striking. Her glossy black hair was pinned up—this exotic attire completely different from other palace women, extremely eye-catching.
But what drew the most attention was Qin Yining following behind her, dressed in various shades of blue.
She was still not yet twenty years old, her fair and delicate skin paired with the moon-white satin outer robe. Against the backdrop of brilliant spring flowers, one couldn’t tell whether her skin was more delicate or the silk more refined. Light pink and white petals drifted onto her shoulders and hair as she moved gracefully through the flowers and willows, her long hair swaying.
The palace feng shui truly nourished people. This woman was even more beautiful than before!
This made Li Helan’s heart feel blocked with frustration!
Li Helan snorted coldly and averted her gaze, muttering under her breath, “Seductive fox!”
The Empress Dowager glanced at her daughter and coughed.
Only then did Li Helan slightly restrain her emotions and sit up properly.
Princess Tana led her group up the steps into the warm pavilion, bowing as she said, “This subject pays respects to the Empress Dowager.”
Qin Yining also followed behind and bowed.
The Empress Dowager smiled, “Rise quickly, everyone sit.”
“Thank you, Empress Dowager.”
Qin Yining stood and, according to her status, took the lowest seat, quickly glancing around to observe her surroundings, just catching sight of Consort Yun’s meaningful smile.