It was just that the situation had occurred so suddenly, so how was she going to prepare a gift out of nowhere?
There was no way she could tell her maidservant to go back and fetch it now, right?
Under the eager eyes of the Virtuous Consort and the Pure Consort, she paused, then reluctantly removed a bangle from her wrist. “There’s nothing in my palace that can compare to the Virtuous Consort and the Pure Consort’s possessions. The only somewhat worthy thing I have is this bangle that I’m wearing. I hope you don’t mind my small token of sincerity, Second Miss Lu.” As she spoke, she passed the bangle to the maidservant beside her.
The maidservant hurriedly placed it on a tray and presented it before Lu Liangwei.
Seeing this, the Virtuous Consort and the Pure Consort drew a sharp breath.
It was said that Ji Linghui’s bangle was a reward from the late Empress Dowager to the old Madam of the Ji Family. This bangle was unique and the only one of its kind in the world, signifying its preciousness. Ji Linghui treasured it very much and always refused other people’s offers to exchange it with their valuables, but now she wanted to give it to Lu Liangwei.
The Virtuous Consort and the Pure Consort could not help feeling envious.
Lu Liangwei glanced at the bangle presented by the maidservant and found that it was indeed unique. It was dark green all over with a hint of blood-red in the midst, which made it appear exceptionally beautiful.
Lu Liangwei withdrew her gaze after a mere glance and said to Ji Linghui, “I can tell that this bangle is one of your treasures, Your Highness. How would I dare to rob someone of their treasures?”
Ji Linghui sneered inwardly.
The Emperor was also her treasure, but did she not still rob her of him? How disgusting of her to say such a thing right now.
Thinking of this, she felt a little impatient. “It’s just a dead object, I can still afford to give it away. Is my gift not up to Second Miss Lu’s standards?”
It would be too fake if Lu Liangwei were to decline again.
Since the other party insisted on giving her, she had no reason to push it away.
“Then I’ll accept it humbly,” Lu Liangwei said and ordered Zhu Yu to keep it.
Zhu Yu’s heart rejoiced, but she remembered what her mistress had told her and did not let her thoughts show at all.
Zhao Qian looked at the three consorts. At least they were discerning enough to realize that Second Miss Lu was someone Master valued and knew how to show their sincerity, unlike the Noble Consort, who usually seemed rational but ended up doing such a foolish thing.
Lu Liangwei glanced outside, then stood up and said, “Thank you for receiving me today, Your Highnesses. It’s getting late, I’ll be taking my leave.”
The three consorts did not dare to say no. No matter how displeased they were inside, they squeezed out a smile on their faces.
The Virtuous Consort stood up first and patted Lu Liangwei’s hand, saying implicatively, “You speak so formally, Second Miss Lu. We’re going to be a family soon and call each other sisters in the future.”
Lu Liangwei smiled and did not say anything. She nodded to the three of them and left the imperial garden with Zhao Qian.
As soon as she left, the three dropped the act immediately and returned to their quarters with their servants.
The moment the Virtuous Consort got back to her quarters, she smashed a cup on the floor. “What’s she acting all high and mighty for?”
The Pure Consort, who had returned to her quarters, grabbed a premium-quality porcelain vase and was about to hurl it, but she thought of something and forcefully halted her movements.
Cai Yu handed her an ordinary cup considerately. “Your Highness, why don’t you smash this, it makes a clearer sound.”
Her interruption diminished the anger in the Pure Consort’s heart significantly.
She stroked the premium-quality vase in her hands tenderly. She had already broken the bank just now, how could she let herself bleed money again?
She put down the vase, took the cup from Cai Yu, and hurled it to the floor.
Perhaps she was not strong enough, or the teacup was too durable, for it only rolled a few times across the floor and came to a stop, still intact.