As Yixiu listened to the words criticizing the Emperor, she suddenly realized this couldn’t be anyone’s prank.
With imperial power at its height, who would dare risk their life by criticizing the Emperor?
But where were these voices coming from?
The bullet comments continued.
【Honestly, this drama is a tragedy. Huanhuan defeats Yixiu, but in the end, she has neither a close friend nor a lover by her side, and even her child is forced to marry far away.】
Yixiu gave a mocking laugh.
She was the Empress of Great Qing. Who could defeat her, and who would dare?
Perhaps she should investigate whether Nian Shilan had been up to some underhanded trick again—one that had made her hear all this nonsense!
【Stop arguing, stop arguing! It’s almost time for Huanhuan’s Imperial Consort Selection. Save all that tragedy talk for later—I want to see the iconic selection scene.】
【What do you think? Was it Huanhuan’s begonia that got Little An Bird selected, or her own beaded flower?】
【An Lingrong is skilled at incense making, so her own beaded flower must have attracted the butterflies. But the Emperor’s explanation was that she was already wearing a flower, so he shouldn’t bestow one on her. That’s why I lean toward Huanhuan’s begonia.】
【I think the Emperor’s line, “Imperial Mother, she’s already wearing a flower,” was obviously just something he said offhandedly. He was simply looking for an excuse to keep An Lingrong, right?】
【I don’t know, I don’t know. I don’t think it had anything to do with the flower. She was just polite, and that was enough to draw people in...】
【Girl, your take is really niche.】
The bullet comments chattered on incessantly, and Yixiu kept listening.
After listening for a while, Yixiu called Jianqiu in.
“Jianqiu.”
“Your Majesty.” Jianqiu entered and bowed.
Yixiu smiled faintly. “Go find out whether any of this year’s selected maidens have the childhood name Huanhuan, and look for someone named An Lingrong as well.”
“Selected maidens?” Jianqiu furrowed her brow in confusion.
Why had Her Majesty suddenly brought up the selected maidens?
Yixiu glanced at her, offering no explanation, but clearly urging her to hurry.
Though Jianqiu was puzzled, she wasn’t one to ask unnecessary questions. She bowed and withdrew to carry out the task.
Yixiu paced back and forth through the hall, gently rubbing her temples as she continued listening to the strange words in her mind.
【Why does it feel like today’s episode is moving unusually slowly? How long has it been? Why haven’t we gotten to the Imperial Consort Selection yet?!】
【If only Lingrong hadn’t sided with the Empress. She would have had a child of her own and lived to the end alongside Zhen Huan...】
【Girl, aren’t you getting a little carried away? With Yixiu’s level of scheming, would she really let Little An Bird live in peace to the end? Zhen Huan only survived because Yixiu didn’t take her seriously enough!】
Zhen Huan?
Yixiu murmured the name softly, her gaze drifting into the distance.
So this strange thing was telling her that Zhen Huan would become her greatest enemy in the future?
While Yixiu was still lost in thought, Jianqiu finished checking the register of selected maidens and returned to report.
“Your Majesty, there is indeed an An Lingrong among this year’s selected maidens. As for Huanhuan, there is one person who fits the description.”
Yixiu turned her head slightly. “Who?”
Her tone was calm, as if she didn’t care.
But Jianqiu knew Her Majesty never brought someone up without reason, so she hurriedly replied, “Zhen Huan, daughter of the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”
“The Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review? A mere fourth-rank civil official?”
Yixiu smiled without smiling. How could the daughter of some minor official possibly be worthy of becoming her opponent?
Nian Shilan was truly brainless. Even her attempts at playing tricks with spirits were laughable!
That insignificant Zhen Huan wasn’t even worthy of carrying her shoes!
Seeing Her Majesty’s strange smile, Jianqiu asked, “Why are you laughing, Your Majesty?”
“I’m laughing because some people are foolish without even realizing it, and think themselves clever.”