Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Coming to this palace to bite Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Coming to this palace to bite Chu Nanli played with Xiao Guai for a while before instructing Yanyan to take Xiao Guai to the backyard to be temporarily cared for, then she began her dinner.
By this time, her morning sickness had subsided, and food smelled particularly appetizing.
The servants in the courtyard saw Lin Concubine walking over and, worried about displeasing Chu Nanli by admitting her, yet dared not to stop her.
Lin Fuying noticed their unease and with a gentle expression said, “Is it that my sister does not welcome me?”
Upon hearing this, the servants broke out in cold sweat and hastily explained, “Not at all, the Princess Consort is dining…”
Dong Yue stepped forward and scolded sharply, “How dare you offend our Concubine! In the Prince’s main courtyard, no one dares to stop us, what are you in comparison?!”
Her words not only scolded the servants but also belittled Chu Nanli in the process.
Lin Fuying remained silent, quietly letting Dong Yue defend her.
“What’s happening?”
Hearing the commotion, Yanyan hurried over.
The servant breathed a sigh of relief and said, “Lady Yanyan, Lin Concubine has arrived.”
Seeing the arrogant demeanor of Dong Yue, Yanyan felt a chill in her heart.
She felt that Lin Concubine had ill intentions.
Despite feeling nervous, Yanyan nevertheless responded calmly, “This servant greets Lin Concubine. The Princess Consort is currently dining, I will notify her first. Please wait here a moment.”
Without waiting for the mistress and servant to make it difficult, she quickly left.
Lin Fuying’s eyes turned cold.
This wretched maid, she had investigated her before, a mere laundry servant in Nanny’s courtyard, doing menial tasks. She had not expected that after coming to Chu Nanli’s desolate little courtyard, she would be promoted to head maid.
She had thought the girl would be easy to handle and had even planned to bribe her, yet this wretched maid dared to treat her this way.
She disliked every single person in Chu Nanli’s courtyard.
“Princess Consort, Lin Concubine is here. Do you wish to see her? I’m afraid she might upset you,” Yanyan reported with a worried expression upon returning inside.
At the mention, Chu Nanli paused mid-bite, feeling her appetite diminish significantly at the words “Lin Concubine.”
Yet, Yanyan’s words still made her want to laugh and cry.
“You’re still too reserved in your speech. Where does she simply make me unhappy? She’s clearly here to deliberately annoy people.”
Feeling embarrassed, Yanyan suggested, “Then should I tell her that you’re ill and not receiving guests, to have her leave?”
Chu Nanli thought about how she had just offended Ye Yunting earlier in the evening, and if she upset his darling white lotus now, who might complain to him, she would be in trouble again.
“Never mind, let her come in. If the sticking plaster is to be applied, there’s no avoiding it.” If the enemy advances, I’ll hold my ground; if the water rises, I’ll build a barrier. She didn’t want to cause trouble, but if trouble came to her, she wasn’t fearful.
Seeing Chu Nanli composed, Yanyan felt much more at ease and acknowledged the instruction.
Soon, Lin Fuying, accompanied by Dong Yue, entered.
Dong Yue was the first to speak out, “The Princess Consort really has a great deal of pride, making our Concubine wait so long!”
Lin Fuying’s gaze on Chu Nanli held a mix of scrutiny and frostiness.
She couldn’t fathom what this wretch had done to the Prince to make him refuse her attendances in his bedchamber.
She was determined to find out.
Chu Nanli took a sip of water to rinse her mouth and wiped her lips with a handkerchief before looking up at the two, speaking deliberately.
“Paying a visit without inquiring what the host is engaged in; that’s called a lack of manners.”
Dong Yue, flushed with anger, started, “You…”
“Hold your tongue. Do not be disrespectful to the Princess Consort!” Yanyan blocked in front of Chu Nanli, her indignation palpable.
Hmph, she wouldn’t allow this wretched maid to sully the Princess Consort’s eyes.
Chu Nanli no longer paid attention to the maid but turned her eyes towards Lin Fuying, “Next time Lin Concubine decides to visit, please make sure to tether your dog at home to prevent it from biting others.”
Lin Fuying’s eyes darkened. She had come to probe, not to quarrel, and Dong Yue, this foolish creature, just had to be overly chatty.
“Dong Yue, you go outside. I have some words I would like to discuss privately with my sister.”
Ignorant of Lin Fuying’s intentions and feeling somewhat aggrieved though she was scolded, Dong Yue dared not go against Lin Fuying’s wishes and could only reluctantly leave, casting a resentful glance at Yanyan standing before her.