Meng Yao gently patted her chest, "That’s good, as long as I didn’t cause any trouble."
Seeing her relieved look made the Grand Princess even more frustrated.
This Meng from the countryside indeed brings with her the demeanor of a small household in both her speech and actions. What’s even more annoying is that the Noble Consort An always praises her! She doesn’t regard me, the Grand Princess, at all!
An Changle’s usual conduct has always been like her imperial brother.
So, is this the Emperor’s attitude toward this countrywoman?
This woman from the countryside suddenly appeared and not only took Zhao Ting but also because of her, Qingxiang was punished. She had to send Qingxiang far away, and all these things are known to the Emperor, my younger brother.
He clearly comforted me, saying that everything was unavoidable, and that he was on my side. Yet, when he turned around, he treated Meng—the culprit behind it all—kindly.
My imperial brother was no longer the one who stood by me at every turn.
Now that he has secured the throne, my past sacrifices are no longer valued.
The Grand Princess felt both anger and resentment and ultimately left in rage.
After she left, the atmosphere became more harmonious.
With the Noble Consort An subtly and overtly showing goodwill to Meng Yao, no one knew what the others were thinking, but at least they all displayed the necessary enthusiasm on the surface.
As for the palace intrigue Meng Yao expected might happen, it never occurred.
After all, the person most likely to engage in such schemes against her was the Grand Princess, but now the Grand Princess had left in anger, and the Noble Consort An showed signs of protecting her, so who would dare?
Therefore, Meng Yao ate and drank with ease, casually chatting with the ladies.
The banquet quickly approached its end, and the Chief Palace Maid beside the Noble Consort An called a group of young palace maids to escort each madam out of the palace individually.
As for Meng Yao, of course, she was kept by the Noble Consort An.
"We hit it off very well upon meeting. Madam Zhao shouldn’t mind staying a bit longer to chat with me, right?" The Noble Consort An blinked playfully.
Throughout, the kindness emitted by Noble Consort An was sincere, not hypocritical.
Thus, Meng Yao had a favorable impression of Noble Consort An.
"Of course, it’s my honor," Meng Yao said with a smile.
The Noble Consort An dismissed the attendants and instructed them to guard the palace gate, allowing no one to enter without her permission.
Meng Yao was somewhat puzzled. This setup seemed like they were about to discuss something remarkable?
But the problem was, no matter how favorable her impression of Noble Consort An was, they were merely acquaintances.
What could such a high-ranking consort possibly have to discuss with her?
"In this palace, whatever one wants to do or say is never without restrictions," the Noble Consort An sighed deeply.
"Not just in the palace, even outside, one cannot truly speak or act freely," Meng Yao said.
She wasn’t comforting the consort, just stating a fact.
"Now it’s just the two of us, how about we relax a little? Don’t treat me as the Noble Consort, just a sister, okay?" the Noble Consort An suggested.
As the foremost woman of the harem, the Noble Consort, how could she dare treat her as a sister?
"I’ll call you Sister Meng, and you can just call me Changle," the Noble Consort An proposed.
"I’m frightened. Noble Consort, by doing this, you’re truly overwhelming me," Meng Yao replied.
"You deserve the title of Sister Meng," the Noble Consort An insisted. "I genuinely feel that Sister Meng and I share the same temperament, so I very much wish to be friends with you, sincerely. Sister Meng knows well that inside this deep palace, it’s rare to have a friend."
As the TV dramas depict, it is indeed hard to find friends within the palace.
Though outwardly the Noble Consort An seems extremely glorious, internally, she must feel lonely.
As a favored concubine, who knows how many secretly envy her.
"Favored by your highness, I’d be honored and obey," Meng Yao expressed, adopting a chivalrous demeanor.
"Sister Meng, you are truly delightful, so lively. I once hoped to live a bit more lively," the Noble Consort An sighed. "But later, I entered the palace, realizing that such liveliness can only reside in my heart."
Once entering the palace is like entering deep waters; Meng Yao didn’t know how to comfort the Noble Consort.
Indeed, whether one lives well or not cannot be seen truly by others; only they themselves know.
"I’ve heard elders say that in life, nobody can be truly carefree, everyone has their troubles. If you focus too heavily on your troubles, then your life will only be troubled. If you don’t take them seriously, you’ll find that besides troubles, there are joys, emotions..." Meng Yao pondered and said.
"The person who said that is very wise. Someone who sees clearly and lives clearly," said the Noble Consort An.
"So I’ve always strived to be such a person," Meng Yao expressed.
"Sister Meng, you have endured hardship these years," the Noble Consort An suddenly remarked.
When Zhao Ting says this, it doesn’t sound off.
If the Zhao old madam says it, it doesn’t sound off either.
Anyone related to the Zhao Family or those who understand the past circumstances would find it reasonable to say.
But from the Noble Consort An, it felt a bit awkward.
Before Meng Yao could respond, the Noble Consort An continued, "Luckily, Sister Meng, you are back in the capital. In the future, if anything happens, just say the word, and if I can’t help, there’s the Emperor; we can’t let Sister Meng be wronged."
"Huh?" Meng Yao was truly bewildered.
The Noble Consort An wanting to befriend her and act as her support is fine, but "there’s also the Emperor," what does that mean?
It’s as if she has some connection with Emperor Jing. Check latest chapters at 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝓷𝓮𝓽
"There’s nothing unjust," Meng Yao managed to say flatly.
"How can it not be unjust? Everything now is unjust," insisted the Noble Consort An. "Though I don’t know why Sister Meng rents houses outside, such a small place surely wrongs you. It not only wrongs you but also the children."
So, Noble Consort, what exactly are you implying?
Why is she feeling so uneasy?
Meng Yao’s silence made the Noble Consort An think she had hit a nerve. Thus, she spoke more sincerely, "I can see that the Emperor values Sister Meng a lot. So, Sister Meng, please heed my advice, after all, he’s the Emperor; face must be given. Whatever discomfort you feel, seize a chance later to make it right."
Does Emperor Jing value her?
Meaning, Emperor Jing values Zhao Ting and thus, extends that favor to her as Zhao Ting’s woman?
So, the Noble Consort An is advising her to give Zhao Ting a way out?
Otherwise, it would displease Emperor Jing.
Zhao Ting really is cunning, forcing people this way.
Under the monarchy, all are subjects of the Emperor. It implies that the Emperor can regard everything as his domestic affairs, and as the patriarch, he can meddle in all matters.
Meng Yao very much wanted to defy authority, yet knowing that in this life, where bowing is necessary, one must bow.
"Your Consort is right," Meng Yao acknowledged.
The Noble Consort An was somewhat surprised by the quick agreement. It seems she completed her task splendidly; she beamed with joy, "I’ll immediately inform the Emperor that Sister Meng has forgiven him and agrees to return to the palace."