Chapter 233 - 197: Ransacking the House (Part 2)

"Oh, My Lady, you know how it is. The one in Jianzhang Palace has been in poor health ever since she gave birth to Princess Taihua. So of course the Emperor has to summon the Pure Consort more often to help manage things. But that’s official business. When the Pure Consort comes here to Zhaoyang Palace, it’s a personal visit. It’s plain to see who she’s truly close with, My Lady."

Qiu Tang was too slow-tongued, so Eunuch Ding beside her got the first word in.

Hearing this, a smile graced Noble Princess Consort Rong’s red lips.

This was exactly the kind of talk she loved to hear.

Those raised in the lap of luxury always placed great importance on their feelings, prioritizing their own joys and sorrows above mere wealth. But Jiang Xian was different. ’You can’t just give up money for something like affection, can you?’

Just then, a palace maid hurried into the room. "Lady, the Pure Consort has arrived."

"Yes, show her in."

But the Pure Consort wasn’t alone.

When she saw who it was, Noble Princess Consort Rong’s expression soured. "It’s fine that you came, but why bring along someone so insignificant?"

Consort Ji timidly curtsied to her.

Noble Princess Consort Rong pretended not to see her, keeping her eyes fixed on Jiang Xian, waiting for a reply.

The decor of Zhaoyang Palace was even more magnificent and grand than that of Bihua Palace. The Rong Family was not only wealthy but also loved sending money into the palace for their daughter to spend. The Emperor’s rewards over the years had further solidified Zhaoyang Palace’s lavish foundation. Seated in the place of honor, Noble Princess Consort Rong was a vision of opulence, dripping with jewels. Her cold, beautiful eyes held a natural authority that was intimidating even without anger. She looked terrifying. Consort Ji’s heart hammered against her ribs, and a wave of regret washed over her.

’Look, even the highly favored Pure Consort gets interrogated in Noble Princess Consort Rong’s presence. How had she ever dared to provoke her!’

"Zhaoyang Palace is so big! My legs are sore from walking all the way in. Won’t you offer me a seat, sister?"

But Consort Ji saw the Pure Consort adopt a syrupy tone, her voice a sweet coo that Ji had never heard before as she spoke words that were practically a pout. ’Honestly, the Pure Consort’s voice was very pleasant, but what was the point of acting so coquettish with another woman? It would only infuriate the Noble Consort even more... Whenever *she* visited other main position ladies, she deliberately dressed down to be as plain and unremarkable as possible.’

’The way the Pure Consort was talking, it was as if she wasn’t annoying Noble Princess Consort Rong enough already!’

"Hmph, such a silver tongue." As expected, Noble Princess Consort Rong snorted, seemingly unwilling to show her any kindness. "As if I’d be short one cushion for you? Come, sit here."

Her words were cold, but her gaze pointed to the seat closest to her.

A palace maid had already arranged the seat comfortably, and a cup of water at a suitable temperature had been poured beside it. Qiu Yun whispered, "My Lady, you’re with child. The Lady ordered that you not be served tea, fearing it might be bad for the baby."

"That’s enough out of you!"

Noble Princess Consort Rong glared at her.

"I’ve always known how well you take care of me, sister. No one else is as thoughtful and attentive as you."

Consort Ji felt uncomfortable just listening to them.

’The Pure Consort was probably using the same tactics on Noble Princess Consort Rong that she used to handle the Emperor.’

"Hah, it’s good that you know. In the entire palace, I’m the only one who’s good to you." And yet, Noble Princess Consort Rong was clearly enjoying it. Only when Consort Ji’s legs had gone numb from her half-curtsy did she finally ask about her. "Alright, speak up. What is *this* supposed to be?"

Jiang Xian then recounted the entire story of Consort Ji coming to her palace to cry and complain, adding, "Consort Ji came to my Bihua Palace in tears, begging me so earnestly. It made my heart ache to hear it, but the Imperial Household isn’t under my authority! I was afraid people would call me heartless if I did nothing, but I didn’t know what to do. So, I had no choice but to bring her here and trouble you, sister."

Consort Ji’s heart went cold as she listened.

’Yes, Pure Consort, you didn’t just stand by and do nothing. You did something a hundred times more ruthless: you dragged me to Zhaoyang Palace.’

"So, the Imperial Household has been shorting you on your food and daily necessities."

Noble Princess Consort Rong waved her hand, signaling for Qiu Tang to put down the small bowl of bird’s nest soup. "You, explain the situation again."

Consort Ji began, "I..."

"I wasn’t talking to you. Have your palace maid speak."

The Chief Palace Maid that Consort Ji had brought with her wasn’t particularly quick-witted. She stammered her way through the story about the lack of charcoal and fabric. Noble Princess Consort Rong listened without any particular reaction. "Have Xue Rang brought here."

Xue Rang was the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Household.

Throughout the wait for Xue Rang, Consort Ji had to maintain her curtsy.

When Xue Rang arrived, he first greeted the Noble Consort with the utmost deference and fear. Behind him, a little eunuch held up a tray with both hands. On it rested a palace dress. Even at a glance, one could see the fabric was exceptionally light and soft. It shimmered in the natural light, refracting a kaleidoscope of colors with every shift of light and angle—it was utterly magnificent. The brocade itself was a rarity, and when combined with the large, intricate floral design, the effect was one of aggressive opulence.