Even if Ma Changzai had the greatest audacity in the world, she wouldn’t dare say such a thing and immediately denied it vehemently, shaking her head fiercely.
"No, no, that’s not it, little sister wouldn’t dare to mock you, Lady, not at all, absolutely not."
"You see, you’ve denied it too, saying it wasn’t an insult towards me. Then when I just spoke, why don’t you believe it wasn’t directed at you? It’s only when one overthinks that they misinterpret words. I don’t think I’m thick-skinned, so you can keep insulting while I listen to something else. But as soon as I mentioned actors, you immediately decided I was referring to you. Is the problem yours or mine?"
With a single sentence, Ma Changzai was reprimanded until her face turned red, and she couldn’t utter another word.
Yuan Yuan chuckled and turned her gaze to Zhao Changzai, who seemed to be taking pleasure in others’ misfortune, "And you shouldn’t be here enjoying the spectacle. Your recent remark, ’I’m truly sorry for making you feel cheap with my laughter,’ isn’t the use of the word ’cheap’ actually directed at me? Hmm? This was said directly to me. Now, if I were to take it seriously, how would you explain it?"
Taken aback by the question, Zhao Changzai instantly knelt down, "Empress, please forgive me, my sister meant no double entendres, absolutely none, I could even swear by my entire family on that."
Yuan Yuan waved her hand dismissively, "Enough, get up. I say this only to tell you all, there’s no need to be so artful with your words in front of me. If I actually took everything to heart, ten heads wouldn’t be enough for you. Considering how you are all so lovely, I won’t hold it against you. After all, there are only two types of people who attract attention in this world, those who are exceedingly beautiful and those like you. What do you think?" ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ NovєlFіre.net
Upon hearing this, about ten concubines immediately knelt down. The women, who were just enjoying a lighthearted moment and laughing behind their hands, now hung their heads in fear and trepidation, cursing those who spread rumors. Who said the Empress couldn’t recognize a single character and was as dumb as a pig? Intelligently maneuvering the situation as she did, how could she possibly be illiterate?
After dropping that remark, Yuan Yuan intended to stand up and leave. However, just then, Consort De approached, carried by her sedan chair and flanked by attendants, heading towards the Imperial Garden.
Yuan Yuan looked at her entourage and then at herself, suddenly feeling that her role as Empress was somewhat weak, as if everyone could trample over her.
She would not give Consort De the satisfaction of waiting for her greeting and instead turned and walked away from the other side of the Imperial Garden. A couple of the concubines, who obviously lacked awareness, called out, "Empress, Consort De has arrived, are you leaving just ?"
Unable to bear it any longer, Shiqin stopped, turned around with a cold laugh, and responded, "What? Does the Empress have to wait in the garden for your Lady Consort De?"
"No, no, it’s not that, I didn’t mean that,"
"Whether you meant it or not, only you know. Our Lady has been chatting here for quite a while and is tired now. She’s going back. You should all disperse as well!"
Although she said they should disperse, with Consort De arriving right in front of them, how could these junior concubines dare not to show respect?
Therefore, each stood respectfully in place, waiting for the arrival of a certain Lady.
On the other hand, Yuan Yuan didn’t expect such bad luck. After leaving the Imperial Garden, she was just about to find a quiet place to rest when she looked up and saw the Dragon Chariot approaching her. It was exactly what she feared, with Consort De behind and Ning Xu, that scoundrel, ahead. Where else could she hide?
Fine, she would just wait here to formally welcome His Majesty the Emperor.