After De Fei left, Chang Fei glanced at Ji Mingfu.

Ji Mingfu looked at Ji Mingxuan and followed Chang Fei out.

Cloud Pupil and the two concubines left, and Dan Xiu Hua took the lead, seemingly wanting to assert her status as the leading Xiuhua among the four.

Indeed, she had a title, making her more respected than Ji Mingxuan and Zhou Xiu Hua.

But compared to Ning Xiu Hua...

Ji Mingxuan cast a glance at Ning Xiu Hua, who replied calmly: "Sisters, shall we go together?"

Watch this, how clever Ning Xiu Hua speaks.

Zhou Xiu Hua did not hesitate and said: "Let's go together."

Ji Mingxuan said: "Let the elder sisters go first. My quarters are far from theirs."

Only then did Ning Xiu Hua and Zhou Xiu Hua remember that this Ji Xiu Hua lived in the farthest Jing An Palace from the emperor.

Their hearts relaxed, and Zhou Xiu Hua laughed: "Since that's the case, Ning and I will leave first."

Ji Mingxuan bowed.

She watched as the two left.

All the people in the hall looked at Ji Mingxuan.

Ji Mingxuan stepped forward to prepare to leave.

"Senior Sister Ji, may I accompany you?"

Ji Mingxuan turned back, momentarily dumbfounded. Zhang Yuying, Zhang Juren, just a few days ago, she used to call her younger sister 'sister'.

12.

"Isn't Juren in Zhong Yunxuan West Garden? It seems the way to my Jing An Palace is the opposite?" Ji Mingxuan asked curiously.

Zhang Yuying's face paled. Seeing Ji Mingxuan's strange expression, she couldn't help feeling bitter, but now that she was a Xiuhua, ranked four levels higher, and had gained imperial favor, she couldn't give face to someone whose future was uncertain.

Everyone laughed or looked down, and Zhang Yuying's face became even more ugly.

Ji Mingxuan shook her head. Even if she followed her, she wouldn't see Empress Liu.

"You're remembering me well," she said dryly.

Ji Mingxuan suddenly understood something and asked: "Does Juren want to visit my Jing An Palace?"

Zhang Yuying was speechless. This person was either ignorant or foolish?

"Sister doesn't welcome it?"

Ji Mingxuan happily pulled Zhang Yuying's hand and said: "How could she not welcome you? More guests mean more fun."

Zhang Yuying's last shred of doubt was eliminated.

Ji Mingxuan led Zhang Yuying out of the Zhao Feng Palace.

On the way, Zhang Yuying couldn't bear the silence and probed Ji Mingxuan about the emperor's thoughts on her and what he liked. Ji Mingxuan shook her head, thinking she was so innocent and self-assured?

Ji Mingxuan said nothing, and Zhang Yuying wondered: "What's wrong?"

Ji Mingxuan shook her head but quickened her pace, eventually running.

Zixiu and Xiao Shuzi ran behind her quickly.

Zhang Yuying watched Ji Mingxuan run away, certain it wasn't because Ji Mingxuan was mad at her. She could see from her expression that she was hurt. She urgently chased after her.

As Ji Mingxuan was about to exit this bend, a procession came up ahead. Ji Mingxuan stopped quickly.

It was the carriage of Chang Fei. Ji Mingxuan walked out of the bend and moved aside to make room, squatting slightly and bowing.

Chang Fei was resting in the carriage when she saw Ji Mingxuan waving to her, indicating she should skip the bow.

Ji Mingxuan stood up, and the carriage continued moving. Following Ji Mingxuan was Ji Mingfu, who smiled and nodded at her.

Suddenly, the procession stopped.

There, Zhang Yuying fell in front of Chang Fei's carriage.

Chang Fei frowned: "Juren!"

Zhang Yuying thought something was wrong. She had been chasing after Chang Fei all along, but now she was exhausted. Suddenly, she saw the carriage up ahead. She was just about to stop when a strong force pushed her out. Now colliding with Chang Fei, Zhang Yuying blushed, got up, knelt down, and apologized: "Pleading guilty!"

Ji Mingxuan's gaze swept over the obedient servants and eunuchs following her without trace.

Chang Fei sized up Ji Mingxuan and Zhang Yuying, calculating whether one of them had used them to scheme against her. A collision offense could be punished, but the next day, malicious rumors might spread saying she couldn't tolerate newcomers. Not punishing her would damage her authority.

Ji Mingxuan hurriedly said: "Lady, it's because I'm walking fast that Juren got anxious!"

Zhang Yuying breathed a sigh of relief. This fool actually knew how to speak fairly.

Chang Fei relaxed her gaze. Walking hastily proved it was unintentional, giving her a way down. Thus, Chang Fei said warmly: "That's right, no blame for you. The road here is indeed narrow."

Zhang Yuying put her mind at ease. Chang Fei wouldn't punish her.

Chang Fei's beautiful eyes scanned Zhang Yuying, then coldly said: "The main is anxious, so the attendant shouldn't walk with the main? Come, bring those attendants and eunuchs to the penal code office!"

Ji Mingxuan had long anticipated that Chang Fei wouldn't let it slide. This was all the eyes of the harem. Treating Zhang Yuying's attendants and eunuchs was part of her strategy.

Zhang Yuying was alarmed. Her bodyguard, the one she had grown up with, was important to her. As for the possible eunuch who pushed her, even if Chang Fei didn't punish him, she would punish him privately. But she could only do so secretly, given that these two were currently under her command.

"Woman, spare me, spare me…" Zhang Yuying's bodyguard and eunuch begged.

"Woman…" Zhang Yuying tried to save her bodyguard.

Chang Fei smiled nonchalantly: "Imperial edicts are strict. These attendants and eunuchs who can't serve the main cannot be used. Juren needn't say anything, Lady will certainly inform Empress Liu to provide several attendants for her."

Stolen story; please report.

Zhang Yuying was shocked.

Chang Fei nodded at the attending eunuch, who then waved, and four small eunuchs dragged Zhang Yuying's bodyguard and eunuch away. Zhang Yuying couldn't say a word.

Zhang Yuying wanted to tell Chang Fei that the eunuch had pushed her, but she soon controlled herself. Without evidence, the eunuch might bite back and accuse her of protecting her subordinate and slandering others, causing a big fuss. If investigated, she might be punished for failing to discipline subordinates properly during her first month in the palace. Being restricted to quarters could prevent her from seeing the emperor again. If the truth wasn't found, she would lose the loyalty of the attendants and eunuchs within the palace and even the people she wanted to protect. After enduring for a long time, Zhang Yuying still restrained herself.

Ji Mingxuan pondered who was targeting Zhang Yuying. Logically, Zhang Yuying's threat wasn't significant.

Chang Fei looked at Ji Mingxuan and Zhang Yuying once more before waving again. The carriage resumed its journey.

As the carriage passed by Zhang Yuying, Ji Mingfu's piercing gaze caught her off guard. Zhang Yuying was terrified. Based on Ji Mingfu's shrewdness, she could imagine that Zhang Yuying had deliberately entangled herself with her younger sister. This gaze was a warning to Zhang Yuying.

Once the carriage left, Zhang Yuying's body went limp.

Ji Mingxuan quickly helped her up.

Zhang Yuying regained her footing and bowed to Ji Mingxuan.

"Pleading illness, I won't accompany Miss Dan Xiu Hua to Jing An Palace. Please forgive Miss Dan Xiu Hua."

Ji Mingxuan worriedly said: "Juren..."

Zhang Yuying said: "I beg to leave!"

Ji Mingxuan sighed: "Juren slow down."

Zhang Yuying turned around and left alone in the opposite direction.

Ji Mingxuan watched Zhang Yuying's retreating figure, pulling at the corners of her mouth.

Xiao Shuzi said: "Master, Juren is too ungrateful."

Ji Mingxuan coldly glanced at him and said: "Master's matters don't need your meddling."

Xiao Shuzi was startled and quickly knelt to apologize.

Ji Mingxuan said nothing, placing her hand on Zixiu's arm and heading towards Jing An Palace.

Jing An Palace.

Zhichao had already sent people waiting for her return. Seeing Ji Mingxuan come back, she quickly replaced Zixiu's position.

After breakfast, Ji Mingxuan said: "Zhichao, how are you?"

Zhichao said: "Nothing has happened."

Ji Mingxuan smiled: "Since that's the case, focus on Red Zhu and Little Dingzi."

Zhichao asked: "Do you have any special instructions?"

Ji Mingxuan said: "Wait and see. Empress will send people to reinforce the guards in Jing An Palace."

Zhichao hesitated: "Where did those three maids come from?"

Ji Mingxuan said: "Using them is worse than using Sanzhu. Let Sanzhu take this big maid's position. Then let Zixiu go back to the Hall of the Bright Phoenix to report, saying I lack two common maids."

Zhichao nodded.

"Don't let them touch my personal belongings."

Zhichao nodded again.

"Now, take me to the Rongshou Palace."

Zhichao asked: "Do I need to bring anything?"

Ji Mingxuan said: "No."

Zhichao wanted to say something, but since she had been in the palace, Master had always taken care of everything, so she kept her mouth shut.

Ji Mingxuan smiled.

Rongshou Palace.

Empress Li had just finished breakfast and listened to the report that Miss Dan Xiu Hua wanted to see her.

Empress Li and nearby Cheng Mumu exchanged smiles.

"The Empress is praying now. Cheng Mumu, follow me to the private chamber."

Cheng Mumu nodded.

Ji Mingxuan and Zhichao waited outside Rongshou Palace.

"Princess Dan Xiu Hua's blessings, Empress is praying in the private chamber. Please wait until the Empress finishes and notify us."

Ji Mingxuan said: "I'll wait here. Please notify me when the Empress finishes praying."

Old Mumu nodded.

Zhichao accompanied Ji Mingxuan outside, waiting as the hours slowly passed. Zhichao grew increasingly unsure. Ji Mingxuan's expression never changed; she had patience, which she had always had.

In the harem, patience was the most needed quality. Ji Mingxuan's mindset was excellent!

An hour later, Old Mumu finally returned.

"Princess Dan Xiu Hua, Empress is done praying and is asking the servant to invite Princess Dan Xiu Hua in."

"Thank you, Mumu."

Old Mumu smiled and led the way.

"Princess Dan Xiu Hua, I pay my respects to Empress." Ji Mingxuan smiled and spoke affectionately.

Empress Li said: "Get up."

Ji Mingxuan said: "Thank you, Empress."

Empress Li hurriedly invited Ji Mingxuan over.

"Heard that you've been waiting outside Rongshou Palace all day? Sigh... Jing An Palace is very close to here. I wonder why you've been waiting at the palace instead!"

Ji Mingxuan smiled and said: "Empress prays in the private chamber for the emperor and the country. Princess Dan Xiu Hua should wait outside."

Empress Li was pleased with this answer.

"Truly respectful."

Ji Mingxuan said: "Thank you, Empress."

Empress Li asked: "Why did Princess Dan Xiu Hua come so early today?" Normally, visitors would come in the afternoon, yet it was morning.

Ji Mingxuan said: "Returning Empress, the emperor said he wants Princess Dan Xiu Hua to spend more time with Empress to make her happy. Princess Dan Xiu Hua thought about it for a long time and couldn't think of a good idea. So, she intended to talk to Mumu, but Empress started praying already. Princess Dan Xiu Hua thought, maybe tomorrow should be even earlier."

Empress Li laughed and said: "Good thinking."

Ji Mingxuan smiled and said: "Empress is kind. What I said was honest."

Empress Li pointed at Ji Mingxuan and teased: "Well, let's see how you make Empress happy."

Ji Mingxuan struggled: "I haven't talked to Mumu yet."

Empress Li laughed again and looked at Cheng Mumu: "Cheng Pei, go and see what tricks this monkey can play."

Ji Mingxuan easily bowed: "Thank you, Empress."

Cheng Mumu brought Ji Mingxuan to a side chamber.

After Empress Li left, there was still a smile on her face.

For Empress Li, who valued the emperor's filial piety more than any other concubine's, the emperor's filial behavior was more delightful than their own filial devotion.

The other concubines in Rongshou Palace's service attitudes changed.

Seeing Cheng Mumu treat her kindly, Ji Mingxuan relaxed. She had bet correctly. Rather than showing filial piety herself, she should let Empress know about the emperor's filial behavior. Even if it meant making Empress think she was doing it to win her favor, she didn't mind.

Because Ji Mingxuan believed Empress wouldn't take it seriously. In the palace for many years, she had seen countless events and witnessed many storms and rains, making it impossible for her to discern true from false intentions.

"Princess Dan Xiu Hua, what commands do you have?" Cheng Mumu asked.

Ji Mingxuan smiled and said: "Princess Dan Xiu Hua invited Mumu over, wishing to ask for guidance."

Cheng Mumu smiled and said: "Teaching is beyond my capabilities, Princess Dan Xiu Hua. Please say what you need, and I will not conceal anything I can share."

Ji Mingxuan nodded slightly and asked: "May I know if there are any things Empress does not like or things she considers taboo?"

Cheng Mumu was surprised by Ji Mingxuan's direct approach and the serious look on her face. Cheng Mumu nodded, satisfied with Empress's temporary choice. Thinking for a moment, Cheng Mumu looked at Ji Mingxuan and said: "Empress does not like sweet foods and detests exclusive favoritism. She is happiest when holding grandchildren."

Ji Mingxuan breathed a sigh of relief. Empress Li was indeed as she had imagined.

To continue enjoying this protective umbrella, she must demonstrate her value.

Emperor's sons and daughters, Ji Mingxuan must also be prepared early. This was not only for Empress's sake but also her foundation. Even without Empress, she was prepared to work hard.

Unlike the other concubines, though her rank was low, she couldn't raise an emperor's son or princess. But as long as she maintained this favor, Empress would naturally not let her child fall to another concubine.

Empresses were not far from Jing'an Palace and were protected by Empress Dowager. For someone new to the palace and with weak power, Empress Dowager was her child's most important safeguard.

Ji Mingxuan said seriously, "I understand."

Lady Cheng nodded, she was indeed transparent.

Lady Cheng thought for a moment more before continuing to tell Ji Mingxuan about taboos in detail.

She mentioned Consort Yuhui, who had been favored for half a year. Even though Empress Dowager had favored her because she had given birth to Prince Er and had passed away five years ago, Empress Dowager still did not like her. Moreover, when Queen Consort brought Prince Er to see Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager was indifferent.

Ji Mingxuan nodded. What use was being favored? It would ruin her reputation, status, and security. More importantly, was it wise for this emperor to favor one person?

Consort Yuhui, the most beautiful woman in the world, was also the daughter of an enemy vassal king. How much of Consort Yuhui's favor was just for show? Only Zhao Xunzhe knew the truth.

They talked about their sons for a while before Ji Mingxuan and Lady Cheng left.

However, they found that Empress Dowager was smiling and chatting with a little girl around eight or nine years old.

Lady Cheng whispered to Ji Mingxuan, "This is Princess Da."

Princess Da, Zhao Shulíng, was around nine years old and the only child of Queen Consort. She was highly regarded in the palace for her cleverness, kindness, and grace. The emperor placed great importance on his eldest daughter.

When Princess Da saw Ji Mingxuan, she was surprised but quickly stood up, bowing her head as she said, "Ji Xiuhua."

Ji Mingxuan, not being a high-ranking imperial concubine, was lower in status than the princess. Thus, she bowed respectfully towards Princess Da and said, "Your Highness."

Empress Dowager took a glance at Ji Mingxuan's appearance and attire, then remembered her low status, so she quickly raised her hand and said, "No need for such formalities, Your Highness."

Empress Li watched silently from the side.

Ji Mingxuan did not feel flattered by Princess Da's treatment. Empress Dowager valued her modest looks, her family background without any reservations towards the emperor, and her nature.

It was acceptable to express emotions, but she must not display them in front of a young girl like Princess Da. Otherwise, Empress Dowager might think that Ji Mingxuan was unsuitable to raise the emperor's son.

Empress Li nodded inwardly. Princess Da was somewhat taken aback by Ji Mingxuan's respectful yet unflattering attitude.