Wen Lier quickly rose to perform a formal salute and replied respectfully.
“Your Highness, I have been carefully safeguarding the Golden Turtle bestowed by His Highness, not daring to show the slightest neglect.”
Xie Zhenrong’s tone carried a chill: “Naturally, items bestowed by His Highness should be well preserved. However, the Golden Turtle carries profound symbolism. Does Wen Fengyi understand its meaning?”
Wen Lier understood the Crown Princess intended to admonish her and promptly lowered her head.
“I am ignorant, only knowing the Golden Turtle is a treasure granted by His Highness. As for its deeper meaning, I dare not presume to speculate.”
Xie Zhenrong let out a light laugh, though the mirth didn’t reach her eyes.
“Wen Fengyi is being modest. The Golden Turtle symbolizes longevity and prosperity. His Highness bestowed it upon you hoping you would bring blessings to the Eastern Palace. However, I’ve heard it carries another meaning. Has Wen Fengyi heard of this?”
“I am foolish and beg Your Highness to enlighten me.”
Xie Zhenrong’s gaze lingered on her face for a long moment before she finally spoke, avoiding the turtle’s secondary meaning entirely.
“Though the Golden Turtle is precious, excessive display may invite criticism. Wen Fengyi is still young and must learn to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate actions.”
Wen Lier thought to herself: This was never about appreciating flowers – it was specifically to reprimand her.
She stepped forward and knelt. “I shall remember Your Highness’s instruction and will certainly be cautious in speech and conduct going forward.”
Satisfied, Xie Zhenrong made her kneel in place for a full hour.
Only after they had finished admiring the flowers did she seemingly remember Wen Lier’s presence.
“Why is Wen Fengyi still kneeling? You may rise.”
Then she turned her gaze to Lin Fujia and Yang Ni Shan, her tone softening.
“You two should also work diligently to bring blessings and longevity to the Eastern Palace.”
Lin Fujia and Yang Ni Shan hurriedly stood and bowed, respectfully acknowledging the instruction.
After responding, Yang Ni Shan glanced at Wen Lier before turning back to Xie Zhenrong with meaningful implication.
I have a matter I wish to consult Your Highness.”
Xie Zhenrong lifted her eyes to her. “What matter? Speak.”
“I wish to ask – if some among us fail to recognize our positions and overstep boundaries, how should they be punished?”
The question was somewhat laughable.
Among the three Bong Yis, the one who consistently failed to recognize her position and repeatedly overstepped was none other than Yang Ni Shan herself.
Xie Zhenrong swept a glance over Yang Ni Shan, somewhat satisfied to see her bowed head.
It seemed that since the Crown Prince hadn’t summoned Yang Ni Shan to attend him for some time, she had learned to behave better.
Xie Zhenrong said: “Those who violate the Eastern Palace rules shall be punished according to palace regulations. Do the three Bong Yis need to review the palace rules again?”
All three immediately shook their heads.
“Your Highness, we have already thoroughly studied the palace regulations.”
Xie Zhenrong nodded.
“Very well. I am tired. You may all return to Yaohua Hall.”
“Yes.” The three Bong Yis slowly withdrew.
While leaving the palace, Yang Ni Shan deliberately quickened her pace and bumped toward Wen Lier.
Fortunately, Wen Lier reacted quickly and dodged aside.
Seeing she hadn’t collided with her, Yang Ni Shan let out a heavy “Hmph!” before tossing her head and striding away haughtily.
Her most detested person now was Wen Lier – without exception.
This wretched woman must have used some seductive trick to steal His Highness’s favor.
His Highness hadn’t summoned her to attend him for so long – undoubtedly this vile woman had been speaking ill of her before him!
Wen Lier watched Yang Ni Shan’s retreating back, her brow slightly furrowed.
What palace rules? This Yang Ni Shan clearly doesn’t take palace regulations seriously at all.
In front of so many witnesses, she actually attempted to harm her.
Lin Fujia cast a sympathetic glance toward Wen Lier.
“Sister Wen, this Yang Ni Shan is truly outrageous! Don’t bother with her, it’s not worth damaging your health over anger.”
Wen Lier nodded: “Thank you for your concern, Sister Lin. Let’s return.”
“Alright.”
Wen Lier was supported by Qing Zhu and Qing Mei on her way back to Yaohua Hall. After all, women have delicate constitutions – kneeling on the cold stone floor for two hours would naturally be unbearable for anyone.
When they returned to the East Hall and closed the doors, Wen Lier quickly straightened up.
She lifted her skirt and removed two thick knee pads from her knees.
Fortunately, when the people from Fuyao Hall came to summon her to the flower viewing banquet, she had vaguely sensed it wouldn’t be simple, which was why she had made preparations in advance.
She was quite lucky to have stumbled upon this precaution.
Mama Qin standing nearby also felt lingering fear.
“Your Ladyship hasn’t done anything out of line recently. Was it really necessary for the Crown Princess to go this far over a golden turtle?”
She had originally thought that since other Bong Yis were also summoned, it wouldn’t be specifically targeting her mistress.
But the Crown Princess showed no mercy, singling out her young lady for punishment right in front of the other two Bong Yis.
“Thankfully Your Ladyship was foresighted. Otherwise, how could your knees withstand two hours of kneeling?”
Wen Lier waved her hand: “It’s fine. We’ll just need to be more careful from now on.”
Mama Qin, Qing Zhu, and Qing Mei all wore worried expressions.
How exactly should they be careful?
They couldn’t very well go to Yuqing Hall and tell the Crown Prince to stop giving their mistress rewards in the future, could they?
Anyone who would do such a thing must be lacking brains!
Meanwhile.
When Lin Fujia returned to the West Hall, Qiu Momo, Ziyou, and Zixin were also discussing Wen Lier being disciplined.
Qiu Momo looked somewhat excited as she whispered to Lin Fujia:
“Your Ladyship, this is a great opportunity. With Wen Fengyi being disciplined by the Crown Princess, she’ll surely be cautious in her actions during this period. If Your Ladyship can seize this chance to catch His Highness’s attention and perform well, you might soon be summoned to serve!”
Lin Fujia frowned: “Momo, the Crown Princess just disciplined Sister Wen today. If we rashly do something out of line, we’ll likely face severe punishment.”
Seeing Lin Fujia being so timid, Qiu Momo felt somewhat dissatisfied but didn’t dare say more, only nodding in agreement.
…
Unexpectedly, though Wen Lier had just been punished that day,
That very night, the eunuch from Yuqing Hall came again, saying the Crown Prince had summoned her to serve that night.
This…
Wouldn’t the one from Fuyao Hall be utterly disgusted?
But since the Crown Prince had sent someone to summon her, she couldn’t very well refuse.
Wen Lier went through her usual washing routine, then followed the two eunuchs from Yuqing Hall.
This time, Yan Shixu was just like last time, sitting at his desk reading.
When he saw Wen Lier arrive, he put down his book and looked up to ask.
“Has Wen Fengyi made any progress in her chess skills recently?”
Hearing this, Wen Lier immediately forgot all her worries about whether the Crown Princess would punish her again.
Her eyes sparkled as she stared at Yan Shixu.
“Your Highness, this humble consort feels she has made great progress! Shall we play a few games?”
Having found no worthy chess opponents, she had long wanted to find someone to satisfy her chess craving.
Yan Shixu raised an eyebrow. Great progress?
He would have to verify that properly.
“Yongtai, bring Gu’s chessboard.”
“Yes.”
However…
After one game, Yan Shixu rubbed his forehead.
After two games, Yan Shixu sighed.
After three games, Yan Shixu threw down the chess piece.