âLet her in.â
Although Li Yuanyuan was in charge of the East Palaceâs domestic affairs, at least on the surface, she was impeccable. She came to pay her respects to Jiang Ning, the Princess Consort, every day and provided her with everything she needed for clothing and daily necessities without any neglect.
She always chose the best things to send over.
From Jiang Ningâs perspective, she couldnât find any fault with Concubine Li.
Moreover, Li Yuanyuan was graceful and gentle, always treating Jiang Ning with humility and respect.
Jiang Ning felt that Li Yuanyuan was much more agreeable than Li Hongyuan.
She walked in gracefully, kneeling down to pay her respects to Jiang Ning: âThis humble one pays her respects to the Princess Consort.â
âYou may rise, sit down.â Jiang Ning raised her hand and smiled as she looked at her, âConcubine Li, your pink dress is very bright and beautiful. Itâs rare to see you wearing such a color.â
Li Yuanyuan usually preferred light and elegant colors.
Li Yuanyuan smiled and said, âThis fabric was a gift from His Highness. Although I donât particularly like this color, I dare not let his kindness go to waste.â
Chunlai sneered, âIf you donât like it, then donât wear it. Itâs not like someoneâs forcing youâ¦â
She stood by the door, speaking softly enough that only she could hear.
But she was still pinched by Xiachu, âYou and your loose lips! Canât you stop talking behind peopleâs back?â
Chunlai grumbled, âI hate people who act pretentious.â
Suddenly her eyes lit up, âDidnât the master make us each a few sets of winter clothes a few days ago? I remember you have one in the same color! Is her fabric the same as yours?â
Xiachu glanced at Li Yuanyuan and shook her head, âThe fabric is not the same. The fabric the master gave us was sent from the Prime Ministerâs Mansion. Itâs better than what Concubine Li is wearing.â
Chunlai whispered something in her ear.
Xiachu shook her head, âNo, that was given to me by the master. I havenât even worn it yet.â
âIâll trade you two new ones for it! Look at you being so stingy. Itâs just a piece of clothing! Itâs not like the master has treated you poorly.â
âThe master is generous, but I like to be frugal. Is that wrong?â
âFine, fine, Iâll trade you three new ones for it, is that okay?â
ââ¦Alright.â
The two of them went out, whispering and muttering.
In the room, after Li Yuanyuan sat down, she also mentioned the matter of Li Xiu being punished to kneel.
âSister, do you know why Eunuch Li was punished?â Li Yuanyuan asked with a smile.
âProbably because my servant asked Eunuch Li for information yesterday,â Jiang Ning said frankly.
As Li Yuanyuan had dined with the Crown Prince the night before, she wasnât too concerned about the matter.
Having the Crown Prince visit her room was a blessing for her. She hadnât done anything wrong and didnât need to feel guilty in front of the Princess Consort.
She smiled and said, âSister, you are mistaken. His Highness didnât punish Li Xiu for telling Huang Ying about his whereabouts.â
âThen what was the reason?â
âOn the contrary, it was because Li Xiu didnât reveal it earlier.â Li Yuanyuan smiled, âIt caused the Princess Consort to wait in vain for half the night.â
Jiang Ning raised an eyebrow, âAre you sure?â
âI have been with His Highness for much longer than you, sister. I can somewhat understand his temperament.â Li Yuanyuan sighed softly, âIn the end, His Highness still cares about you. Even if he appears distant on the surface, he does so with concern in his heart.â
Jiang Ning didnât respond.
It was only Li Yuanyuanâs speculation.
As for the real reason, only Li Hongyuan himself knew.
Jiang Ning smiled and asked, âSince you knew about this early on, why didnât you take the opportunity to plead for Li Xiu? Li Xiu is in charge of the Crown Princeâs affairs and will become the Chief Eunuch in the future. Many concubines will compete to curry favor with him. Why hasnât Concubine Li taken advantage of the current situation in the East Palace to build relationships?â