Good heavens. Ning Wanwan truly had no idea. She never expected Madam Ning to be so formidable—even the original owner’s dowry maids were this capable. No wonder the original owner had been so domineering and perverse. Weren’t they the equivalent of the strongest modern-day bodyguards?
“What about the other three?” Ning Wanwan asked.
“Besides this servant, who is skilled in martial arts, there is also Huang Xia, who is skilled in medicine, who can serve Your Highness,” Lüqiu said.
“As for Qingchun and Bai Dong,” Lüqiu trailed off, a hint of grievance in her eyes. “Have you forgotten, Your Highness? A few months ago, you sent them both to the Wan Yi Bureau to do hard labor.”
“Huh?” Ning Wanwan was shocked. The original owner was that bold?
“Why? What did they do wrong?” Ning Wanwan asked.
“That is a question they should be asking you. This servant does not know either. Even this servant was almost…” Lüqiu didn’t dare finish her sentence. If Ning Wanwan’s temperament hadn’t changed so drastically after falling into the water, she would have likely suffered a similar fate.
Because of this, everyone in Ruyi Palace lived in constant fear. Who wasn’t afraid of this Guifei?
“Alright, alright. It was my fault before. Go and call them back now,” Ning Wanwan said without further ado. The palace was fraught with danger, and now was the time she needed people she could use.
“Yes.” Hearing this, Lüqiu departed, overjoyed.
That night, Pei Jinxu came to her quarters. On the luxurious, large bed, Ning Wanwan seemed a little reserved.
“Why are you still so shy?” Pei Jinxu reached out and stroked her face.
“Why do you love touching my face so much? Do you think I’m easy to bully?” Thinking about what was to come, Ning Wanwan couldn’t help but feel shy, and even her words sounded like a coquettish complaint.
With such stunning beauty, it was likely no one in the world could resist such a siren, and Pei Jinxu was no exception.
“My beloved consort is so exquisitely beautiful, Zhen is almost reluctant to part with you.” Pei Jinxu’s gaze was as deep as the ocean, concealing a tempest no one could begin to fathom.
Ning Wanwan suspected that this Pei Jinxu had a split personality. He seemed like a different person inside the palace versus outside.
“I heard you’ve called all four of your dowry maids back to your side?” Pei Jinxu asked.
“How did you know?” Ning Wanwan said.
“Zhen won’t tell you.” After speaking, he gave the bridge of her nose a sharp flick.
Ning Wanwan cried out in pain and covered her nose, looking at Pei Jinxu with a coquettish glare, her beautiful eyes shimmering like a pool of spring water.
Pei Jinxu’s gaze darkened, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. He reached out, pulled her into his arms, and began a gentle yet conquering kiss.
Ning Wanwan had been a little nervous at first, but under Pei Jinxu’s tender assault, she soon softened like water, allowing the man on top of her to take control.
The online forums didn’t lie; Ning Wanwan was finally getting to eat.
When Ning Wanwan woke up the next day, the sun was already high in the sky. An uninvited guest had arrived at Ruyi Palace—Consort Lin.
“Cairen Lin Xi pays her respects to the Imperial Noble Consort,” Lin Xi greeted deferentially.
“There is no need for such ceremony.” Ning Wanwan’s body was sore, and she couldn’t help but support her slender waist in front of Lin Xi.
Lin Xi lowered her gaze, hiding the darkness in her eyes, and meekly brought forward the Floating Light Brocade she had behind her.
“Your Highness, my father passed through two major trade regions on his way south and thought this fabric was exceptionally beautiful, so he brought some back for this consort. This consort’s looks are plain, not nearly as stunning as the Guifei’s. It is only fitting to give it to you. I hope the Guifei likes it.”
Ning Wanwan laughed it off. “How could I accept this? Consort Lin, you should keep it for yourself.”
The Floating Light Brocade was densely woven entirely from golden threads, shimmering under the sunlight. The fabric was luxurious and light, as delicate as a cicada’s wing. It was truly magnificent.
Lüqiu, standing at the side, was mesmerized, but then her expression turned cold as she seemed to recall something.
Consort Lin put the item down and left with her maidservant. Ning Wanwan didn’t even have time to offer a return gift. Just as she was about to tell Lüqiu to send something over, Lüqiu’s next words made her freeze on the spot.
“Your Highness must be careful of this Consort Lin. The things she sends are very likely problematic.”
“What do you mean?” Ning Wanwan’s Dai eyebrows furrowed slightly. This was only the second time she had met this Lin Xi, right? She seemed so gentle, weak, and harmless.
“After Huang Xia returned, she inspected the incense in Your Highness’s palace and found a large amount of Musk inside. And that incense, a specialty from the Western Regions, was a gift from Consort Lin.”
“What?” Ning Wanwan was astonished. Why did everyone want to take a kick at her?
“Incense from the Western Regions, ah. No wonder it smells so good.” Ning Wanwan even took a careful sniff. It was indeed intoxicating and had a calming effect.
“Your Highness, this Musk can cause infertility,” Lüqiu said anxiously.
“Aren’t I already unable to have children? If I’m infertile, I’m infertile. It’s not like I want to give birth anyway.” Ning Wanwan was terrified of pain. Her profession in the modern world was nursing. She had never given birth herself, but did that mean she had never seen how painful it was?
“Your Highness!” Lüqiu stomped her foot, feeling a pang of frustration as if scolding iron for not becoming steel. Although Ning Wanwan had become gentler and kinder than before, it seemed she had also lost her mind.