After Ning Wanwan left, the atmosphere between Zhong Qing and Zhong Yue turned somewhat strange.
A hint of malice flashed in Zhong Yue’s eyes, yet her face was all smiles as she said to Zhong Qing, “Elder Sister, we meet again.”
“As your elder sister, I will certainly take good care of you here in the Imperial Harem,” Zhong Qing replied with a smile, deliberately bumping Zhong Yue’s shoulder as she passed, her action full of provocation.
“Hmph, just you wait, Elder Sister,” Zhong Yue sneered.
This feeling of being high above, with everyone bowing to her, felt absolutely wonderful to Ning Wanwan.
“Niangniang, His Majesty heard that you enjoy listening to opera troupes from outside the palace. Yesterday, he invited the masters into the palace. This is the opera catalogue.” Eunuch Li, who served by Pei Jinxu’s side, respectfully presented the catalogue.
Ning Wanwan took the catalogue in her hand and glanced through it, thoroughly bored.
She wasn’t the one who liked watching operas.
“Where is His Majesty?” Ning Wanwan asked.
“His Majesty is busy with state affairs and may not have time to watch the opera with you, Niangniang,” Eunuch Li said, bowing low, not daring to even steal a glance at the beauty before him.
Dressed in fiery red, Ning Wanwan lay languidly on her side upon the soft couch, her posture enchanting. Her three thousand strands of black silk cascaded down, and a faint smile graced her stunning face.
“In that case, let’s invite all the sisters to watch the opera.” Zhong Yue had just entered the palace; she had to create an opportunity for Zhong Qing.
Thinking Pei Jinxu would come, the Imperial Concubines who came to watch the opera were all dressed to the nines, looking dazzling and vibrant. Only Lin Xi wore a simple white dress, appearing exceptionally elegant and refined amidst the sea of reds and greens, like a frail willow in the wind, her expression cool and detached.
“This concubine pays her respects to Guifei Niangniang!”
“You may dispense with the formalities. Please rise, my sisters.”
After they were seated, Ning Wanwan, feeling little interest, passed the catalogue to the person beside her.
“Sisters, feel free to order whatever you wish to see. This palace is fine with anything.”
Aside from Ning Wanwan, Consort Li held the highest rank, but it was a pity she had remained behind closed doors ever since her miscarriage.
The moment the catalogue reached Zhong Yue, it was snatched away by Zhong Qing, who was beside her.
Zhong Qing held the catalogue and, feigning boredom, casually picked one. “Let’s have this one.” With that, she ignored Zhong Yue’s slightly stunned expression and handed the catalogue up.
Everyone remained silent, quietly watching the drama unfold.
Zhong Yue recovered, forcing a smile as she suppressed her anger. “As long as Elder Sister likes it.”
Everyone had recently seen that Zhong Qing was very close to Ning Wanwan. Furthermore, before her demotion, Zhong Qing had been one of the glorious Four Consorts, so naturally, no one dared to cross her.
As the opera on stage reached its climax, the drama below was no less intense.
Zhong Qing and Zhong Yue traded veiled barbs, neither one willing to back down.
By now, Chan Meiren’s belly had grown quite large. Just as she was about to find an excuse to leave, a pure white cat appeared from nowhere.
Chan Meiren’s face turned deathly pale with fright.
Ning Wanwan also frowned. Wasn’t this her Xiao Bao? Who brought him here?
Lüqiu was equally baffled.
Chan Meiren was afraid of cats. Her lips trembled as she protectively covered her protruding belly.
“Is Chan Meiren afraid of cats?” Lin Xi’s cool voice drifted over.
In fact, it wasn’t just Chan Meiren; quite a few people present were afraid of cats.
Fearing it would cause a commotion, Ning Wanwan quickly had someone try to pick up Xiao Bao, but as they passed by, it triggered a wave of screams.
Ning Wanwan felt speechless. Xiao Bao was clearly adorable; she couldn’t understand why so many people were afraid of cats.
Ning Wanwan held the cat and was about to return to her seat, but as she passed Chan Meiren, it suddenly leaped from her arms, pouncing toward Chan Meiren.
Chan Meiren was so terrified her face went white, and she froze, unable to move. Just as the cat was about to land on Chan Meiren, Lin Xi rushed out and shielded her.
“Meow—!” Xiao Bao’s sharp cry rang out. The scene descended into chaos. The cat knocked Lin Xi to the ground, who in turn bumped into Chan Meiren, and the two of them fell backward together.
Someone with quick eyes and hands caught Chan Meiren, but Lin Xi fell hard on the ground. She clutched her neck in pain, and trickles of blood seeped through her fingers.
Just then, someone covered their mouth and pointed at Chan Meiren in shock, “She’s… she’s having a miscarriage.”
Ning Wanwan looked over at the sound and saw a pool of crimson spreading beneath Chan Meiren’s skirt.
“Summon the Imperial Physician! Quickly!” Ning Wanwan shouted anxiously.
At that moment, Chan Meiren fainted. Pei Jinxu happened to appear.
Seeing the dire situation, he immediately strode over.
“What happened?” Pei Jinxu’s eyes widened in shock when he saw Lin Xi on the ground. He scooped her up, his heartache unconcealed.
“Help Chan Meiren into the side hall,” Ning Wanwan ordered her people to carry the unconscious Chan Meiren inside.
Pei Jinxu held Lin Xi, his face an open display of distress. Before leaving, he glanced back at Ning Wanwan, his eyes extremely cold.
Ning Wanwan’s heart plummeted to the depths, an indescribable feeling washing over her.
Lüqiu, feigning fierceness to hide her fear, berated the servants, “What happened? How did Xiao Bao get out? What are you all paid for!”
“You useless dogs, good for nothing but causing trouble! If anything happens to Consort Lin or the child in Chan Meiren’s belly, watch your heads!”
The servants trembled as they knelt on the ground, no one daring to speak.
Ning Wanwan instructed Lüqiu to investigate, while she herself entered the side hall.
Huang Xia was taking Chan Meiren’s pulse and had just finished when she saw Ning Wanwan.
“How is she?” Ning Wanwan asked.
“The fetus was just disturbed by the scare. A few doses of medicine and proper rest will be enough.” Huang Xia’s words were like a calming pill, and Ning Wanwan instantly felt relieved.
“Why did Xiao Bao suddenly run out, and why did he rush at Chan Meiren?” Ning Wanwan was puzzled.
Huang Xia hadn’t found anything on her. Just then, Eunuch Li from Pei Jinxu’s side came over, saying that His Majesty requested Ning Wanwan’s presence.
Ning Wanwan and Huang Xia exchanged a look, both frowning.