Thinking of today’s visit to pay respects to the Empress, Lu Jingning rose early.
“Why not sleep a little longer?” Xiao Jingheng, being dressed in his court attire by palace maids, looked at her with concern.
Lu Jingning rubbed her eyes and sat up. The quilt slipped down, revealing her bare shoulder flushed with a faint rosy hue. “I must go greet Her Majesty the Empress today.”
Seeing how earnest she was, Xiao Jingheng thought that if all the women in the harem were like her, he wouldn’t have so many troublesome matters to deal with.
“A-Rui, Her Majesty the Empress has always been in poor health. When you have time, could you visit her?” Lu Jingning hesitated for a long time before asking.
Although Shen Wanxian was his wife, Xiao Jingheng did not love her. He married her only to gain the Chancellor’s support.
“All right. I’ll listen to you, Zhaozhao.” Xiao Jingheng agreed simply because he didn’t want her to be unhappy.
Lu Jingning was overjoyed. Barefoot, she ran to him and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek. “A-Rui is the best!”
Watching her innocent and lively manner, he couldn’t help feeling delighted. “Very well, I’m off to court. If anyone bullies you, just tell me—I’ll deal with them.”
“With A-Rui protecting me, who would dare bully me?” Lu Jingning leaned into his arms, acting spoiled.
Xiao Jingheng kissed her forehead and reluctantly departed.
After he left, Lu Jingning began her makeup preparations. She planned to head to Jingren Palace earlier to visit the Empress.
“Little Mistress, shall we bring this hibiscus hairpin?” Chun’er asked as she held one up.
Lu Jingning shook her head and picked up a plain lotus hairpin instead. “Wear this. Her Majesty does not like extravagance.”
“Yes, Little Mistress.”
Lu Jingning knew the Empress’s preferences so well because, in her previous life, the Empress had been the only one in the palace who truly treated her with sincerity.
Everyone believed she had committed adultery with a guard—only the Empress believed her and pleaded for her. Unfortunately…
“Little Mistress, what’s wrong? Why do you look so gloomy?” Chun’er asked, noticing her expression.
Lu Jingning adjusted the ornaments in her hair and replied, “I’m fine. Let’s go.”
On the way, she realized she had forgotten the calming sachet she had embroidered for the Empress. She quickly returned to retrieve it.
When she reached Changchun Palace, most of the concubines were already present—only the Noble Consort had yet to arrive.
The Virtuous Consort saw Lu Jingning and immediately recalled the agony of copying scriptures so many times. She wished she could beat her to death.
But in Changchun Palace, she couldn’t act recklessly, so she hurriedly looked away, avoiding her to prevent angering herself further.
However, Zhen Pin refused to let things remain peaceful. She walked up to Lu Jingning and loudly praised her—just loud enough for the Virtuous Consort to hear.
“Little Sister Lu is truly fortunate. You’ve gained His Majesty’s favor right after entering the palace.”
Lu Jingning knew that ever since entering the palace, Zhen Pin had never gotten along with the Virtuous Consort. Now that there was an opportunity, she certainly wouldn’t waste it.
She might as well use this moment to push the Virtuous Consort a bit further.
“I do not dare accept such praise, unlike Elder Sister,” Lu Jingning replied humbly.
Seeing that the Virtuous Consort didn’t react much, Zhen Pin deliberately raised her voice. “Don’t say that. His Majesty favors little sister’s gentle and virtuous nature. She is a hundred times better than some people.”
“Zhen Pin, watch your tongue.” The Virtuous Consort could no longer hold back. She strode over and reprimanded her sharply.
Zhen Pin put on a pitiful look. “What does Your Highness mean? Everyone in the palace says the Virtuous Consort is elegant and dignified. Yet you lash out like a shrew the moment you open your mouth.”
“How dare you defy your superior! If I don’t teach you a lesson today, you’ll never fix this foul habit!”
The Virtuous Consort was ready to have someone drag her out for punishment—
“What is this commotion?”
Everyone immediately quieted upon seeing the Noble Consort approach in resplendent attire, her presence carrying an imposing aura. They quickly bowed in greeting.
“Your Ladyships pay respects to the Noble Consort.”
The Noble Consort lifted her hand slightly, her voice cool and authoritative. “It’s barely morning, and already you’re making such a ruckus. What a disgrace.”
“Yes, Noble Consort. You are right to scold us.” The Virtuous Consort stiffened, withdrawing her hand unwillingly and forcing a smile.
Zhen Pin obediently fell silent.
The Empress’s attendant Qingming arrived at that moment, bowing gracefully. Her gentle voice carried unmistakable authority. “Her Majesty the Empress invites all esteemed ladies inside to offer greetings.”
With that, she lifted the curtain. Everyone filed in one after another, and the matter between the Virtuous Consort and Zhen Pin was laid to rest for now.
This was Lu Jingning’s first greeting to the Empress since her rebirth.
The first seats on either side belonged to the Noble Consort Liang and the Virtuous Consort.
Behind the Noble Consort sat the Pure Consort, Rong Pin, Yan Noble Lady, Yi Noble Lady, and the various Ladies of Rank.
Behind the Virtuous Consort were Zhen Pin and Lu Jingning, who sat behind Zhen Noble Lady.
The Noble Consort, the Virtuous Consort, Zhen Pin, and Yan Noble Lady were all once attendants during the Crown Prince’s residence.
The Empress sat on the phoenix chair, dressed in a gold-woven phoenix robe. Her gentle features carried a dignified nobility.
“We pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May the Empress live a thousand, thousand years.”
After the formal bow, the Empress raised her hand. Her voice was soft. “Rise.”
Her gaze swept across the assembled ladies and finally settled on Lu Jingning, filled with gentle curiosity.
“I heard the newly entered Lu Attendant is gifted. Which one is she?”
Lu Jingning rose, took a graceful step forward, and bowed. Her voice was clear and pleasant. “Lu of the Attendant Rank greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with good fortune and peace.”
She lifted her gaze slightly, her bright eyes sincere and respectful.
The Empress nodded in approval, her smile gentle. “Lu Attendant, rise.”
Lu Jingning stood as commanded. Qingming stepped forward holding an exquisite set of jewelry.
The Empress raised her hand, signaling her to present it. “This is a small token from this palace. May you serve His Majesty well and bless the Imperial Family with heirs.”
Lu Jingning accepted the jewelry with both hands, gratitude shimmering in her eyes. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s generosity. I shall serve with all my heart and never fail Your Majesty’s expectations.”
The Noble Consort curled her lips with amusement and glanced toward the Virtuous Consort. “Virtuous Consort, your younger sister—this Lu Attendant—is quite impressive. To serve His Majesty for three nights in a row… Even you didn’t receive such favor when you first entered the residence.”
She smiled softly, but her smile carried unmistakable provocation.
The Virtuous Consort’s expression darkened. Her fingers tightened around her handkerchief, though she forced a strained smile.
“Noble Consort speaks true. Lu Sister is indeed promising. But imperial favor is not something so easily compared. Everyone has their own fortune.”
Her gaze drifted toward Lu Jingning, full of complex emotions—resentment mixed with something harder to define.
Lu Jingning hurriedly bowed, her tone modest and respectful. “I have only just entered the palace. How could I compare myself to Your Highness the Virtuous Consort?”
She lowered her head slightly, appearing timid.
Only by acting this way could she lower the guard of the other concubines.
(End of chapter)