The consorts were utterly speechless at these words.
They stared at Lin Zhaorong in disbelief.
None could understand why she was acting so unusually today.
Yet since she remained silent, no one dared pressure her.
The troublemakers exchanged glances, none bold enough to speak first.
After all, this Consort Pei they sought to provoke was the Emperor’s new favorite. If pushed too far, she might engage in pillow talk that could bring dire consequences to any instigator.
Weighed down by such considerations, they reluctantly abandoned their schemes.
Bao Lin Yan nearly choked on her frustration, a suffocating lump lodged in her throat.
She glared bitterly at Pei Tingyue’s radiant profile when a sudden idea struck her.
A palace maid soon announced the Empress’s arrival.
The consorts hurriedly rose to pay respects.
Empress Cui appeared as dignified as ever. After settling on the Phoenix Throne, she gently prompted, “Rise, all of you.”
Noting the unusual absence of the usual “chaos,” she seemed pleasantly surprised.
“It appears my sisters have grown more sensible today. This puts my mind at ease.”
Everyone understood her meaning – they were to stop targeting Consort Pei.
Immediately, someone attempted ingratiation: “Your Majesty, we’ve always been sensible! We were merely jesting with Consort Pei.”
…
Compared to yesterday’s minor disturbances, today’s greetings concluded with remarkable tranquility.
After some casual conversation with the consorts, Empress Cui dismissed the assembly.
Only Pei Tingyue deliberately remained behind.
Today, she intended to sound out this Central Palace Empress.
“Consort Pei, is there something else?” Noting her presence, Empress Cui displayed genuine concern.
Rising to curtsy, Pei Tingyue responded, “I remain eternally grateful for Your Majesty’s continual care and protection.”
“Quickly, help Consort Pei rise,” Empress Cui instructed her Gongbi before adding gently, “These are but trivial matters. You needn’t dwell on them.”
With solemn expression, Pei Tingyue insisted, “What may seem trivial to Your Majesty holds great significance to me.”
She turned to open the box Yun Shu carried, retrieving an embroidered sachet. Approaching the Phoenix Throne, she curtsied again: “I humbly offer this hand-embroidered sachet. I pray you won’t find it laughable.”
“Though this small token cannot repay your immense kindness, I pledge my unwavering loyalty and service to you.”
Silence enveloped the hall following her declaration.
Pei Tingyue held her breath, awaiting Empress Cui’s reaction.
Would she gladly accept this allegiance or discreetly decline?
Neither occurred.
Instead, Pei Tingyue heard only a soft sigh.
Someone gently tucked stray hairs behind her ear.
As the hand brushed her cheek, she detected its slightly dry texture and a faint, tickling sensation.
Puzzled, she looked up: “Your Majesty?”
A tender smile graced Empress Cui’s lips as she spoke soothingly: “I never expected repayment. I simply wished to ease your burdens.”
Astonishment flooded Pei Tingyue’s heart.
This response was completely unexpected.
For her benefit?
Before she could ponder further, the Empress personally helped her rise.
“Besides,” Empress Cui added, “this falls within my responsibilities.”
Lowering her lashes, Pei Tingyue prepared to probe further: “Yet I still feel indebted…”
“There is no debt.” Empress Cui interrupted her, phoenix eyes brimming with mirth.
“This consort genuinely wishes you well, and this sachet likewise carries Consort Pei’s sincerity. Sincerity meeting sincerity – that is enough.”
She held the sachet, examining it repeatedly: “The embroidery pattern is truly exquisite, the color selection equally superb. This consort is quite fond of it.”