Perhaps sensing Xue Dongyu’s dismissiveness, Consort Meng continued softly, “Forget the palace—what difference is there among men anywhere in this world? Have you forgotten your mother and mine? They were sisters, noble young ladies from a prominent family. One married a poor Tanhua Lang, the other a noble son from an aristocratic clan.”
“What did it matter that the noble son came from a distinguished family and was harmonious with his wife? The childhood maid, the gentle cousin from a modest family, the young lady whose family had fallen into decline, the courtesan who had sunk into the world of pleasure—each held a place in his heart.”
“The handsome Tanhua Lang struggled in his official career, lamenting his unrecognized talents while blaming his wife’s family for not supporting him. He spent his wife’s dowry on poetry and wine, and within half a year of her death, married the widowed aunt of the empress, forcing his daughter to flee to her aunt’s home.”
It was as if a layer of mist had cleared, and the memories in her mind sharpened. With such a family background, it was no wonder the original host had been determined to enter the palace—likely to prove herself and seek revenge. Who could have known fate would play such a trick?
Several thoughts flashed through Xue Dongyu’s mind like lightning. As for Consort Meng’s worry that she might suffer from unrequited love for Guanjia, Xue Dongyu thought it underestimated modern people like her. In the past, she could fall in love several times in half an hour just scrolling through TikTok, and her Weibo username had even been “xxx’s wife.”
Facing Consort Meng’s concerned gaze, Xue Dongyu felt a sudden pang of emotion—someone was genuinely worried and planning for her. Naturally, she agreed to Consort Meng’s words.
As the two sisters shared their private conversation, Bai Xing and Bai Liu pulled Consort Meng’s senior maids, Fang Fei and Qiu Rong, aside to chat, leaving space for their mistresses.
Bai Liu appeared to be discussing embroidery patterns with Fang Fei, but her attention remained fixed on Lady Xue. Her ears were turned toward the inner room, listening to their conversation, her heart tightening with each word.
By noon, after Consort Meng and Xue Dongyu had finished their meal, Bai Liu excused herself, claiming they were out of ice, and left the palace gate. She walked quickly to a small hall, changed her attire, and emerged looking completely different—unrecognizable as Cairen Xue’s Bai Liu.
In Funing Palace, Bai Liu knelt on the ground, not daring to raise her head. Above her, Guanjia lowered his eyelids, concealing the emotions in his eyes.
Bai Liu had been sent by Zhao Zhen to Xue Dongyu’s side. After returning to this life and discovering Xue Dongyu as a variable, he had taken advantage of adding personnel to place Bai Liu there. He didn’t ask her to do much—only to report back any noteworthy information.
Bai Liu was uneasy. How could she not know that Consort Meng and Lady Xue’s words were disrespectful to Guanjia? Reporting them might bring punishment upon them. She had struggled with this, especially since Lady Xue had treated her well, but her true master was Guanjia.
Zhao Zhen’s mood, however, was not as bad as the kneeling Bai Liu imagined. He couldn’t help but reflect that in his previous life, there had been someone like Consort Meng in the rear palace who saw through him so clearly.
He had indeed developed feelings for Xue Dongyu beyond mere curiosity. Originally, this faint emotion would have faded under his own suppression. But today, hearing Bai Liu’s report and learning that another’s heart was being dissuaded by someone else, he felt a rebellious impulse stir within him.
The Emperor let out a soft laugh. These centuries of imprisonment had changed more than just his ambitions—his heart had long been steeped in venom.
The Emperor glanced at the sky outside and called softly, “Zhang Maoze, tonight I will visit Cairen Xue.”
Zhang Maoze stepped forward from behind the chair and acknowledged the order. He was utterly baffled. He had thought that with Bai Liu’s accusation, Cairen Xue would at the very least face demotion or fall out of favor. Yet, unexpectedly, Guanjia seemed unconcerned and was even planning to visit Cairen Xue.
"Could it be that he’s going to explain he would never act as Consort Meng suggested? Guanjia truly suffers. After all, it’s normal for the Emperor to have three palaces and six courtyards," Zhang Maoze’s mind wandered with wild thoughts.
This was usually the time for rest. Having experienced a promotion in rank and a heartfelt warning from Consort Meng earlier in the day, Xue Dongyu was already exhausted. Bai Xing had already brought a warm towel, and Bai Liu had just fetched and set out the ice.
Then came the announcement from the front gate: Guanjia would be visiting tonight. Watching the overjoyed palace maids, Xue Dongyu felt too tired to care. She really wanted to sleep—couldn’t the handsome man wait until next time? Could it be that after just a few meetings, Zhao Zhen had already fallen deeply in love with her?
A shiver ran down her spine. Xue Dongyu wondered, could this be the Mary Sue halo of a transmigrated woman?
Speaking of which, if she was a Mary Sue, why couldn’t she just become a princess or an empress dowager?
Bai Xing firmly pressed Xue Dongyu into her seat, chattering away, "I always said that with Lady’s beauty, Guanjia was bound to take a liking. Those envious, low-minded creatures were just barking nonsense."
Xue Dongyu knew exactly who she was referring to. Originally, Xue Dongyu had entered the palace as a palace maid. But with Consort Meng as her backer, she not only lived comfortably with good food and drink but also caught Guanjia’s eye and was granted a rank. This naturally stirred jealousy among the other palace maids.
So, during her period of losing favor—or rather, having no favor—while she was protected by Consort Meng and remained unaffected, Bai Xing had to endure plenty of gossip and occasional mistreatment. The original host was aware of this but powerless to change it.
Later, when she was promoted due to her pregnancy, Bai Xing finally held her head high. Yet, some petty palace maids still muttered unpleasant remarks, saying things like Guanjia only promoted Xue Dongyu because she was pregnant, and once she gave birth, Lady Xue would likely be left to languish, perhaps never even reaching the rank of Guiren.
Bai Xing harbored much resentment over this and often felt indignant on her behalf.
Thinking of this, Xue Dongyu stopped resisting. Bai Xing was loyal and simple-hearted. She might not be as steady as Bai Liu or as clever as Liu Tong, but her devotion to Xue Dongyu was the most genuine.