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Beauty Li pinched Lian Hua's chin and lifted her face, scrutinizing her from side to side. She burst into contemptuous laughter, "Who does our palace think it is? It turns out to be the daydreamer who almost spoiled Noble Consort's birthday. The Consort is truly magnanimous to have invited you. Look at this outfit, look at this poor appearance, still trying to mimic the superior albeit unsuccessfully!"

Lian Hua obediently replied, "Consort is right, you are like a heavenly fairy, incomparable to a mere mortal like me. Even if I try to mimic you, I could not match one ten-thousandth of your grace."

The moment she saw the same colored dress, she had a premonition, and it indeed came true.

When she was a Palace Maid, the humiliations she suffered were numerous; this bit of shame was nothing. Direct insults like this were often not the most lethal. As long as you went along with their temper, you could save yourself. As the saying goes, a barking dog never bites. It's those who smile to your face and stab you in the back that are the scariest in the palace, and you must be on guard against them at all times.

Beauty Li was stunned; this girl was different from what she had imagined. Wasn't she the one who had dared to defy His Majesty that day? How had she changed her tune now?

No matter what she said, daring to wear the same dress as her today meant she couldn't let her off easily.

Beauty Li squeezed Lian Hua's chin harder and then let go, taking out her handkerchief to wipe her hand, saying, "I haven't given you permission to speak. Since you do not know the rules, I will teach you today. Kneel here until the lotus appreciation banquet starts, then you may get up." With that, she walked away with her personal Palace Maid.

Xiao Qing felt a mix of fear and defiance; Young Master was dressed far more beautifully than that so-called Consort. Thus, she tugged at Lian Hua's sleeve and called out, "Young Master, she..."

Lian Hua swept aside her usual amiable demeanor and said in a low voice, "Don't talk, kneel properly." Her chin ached where it had been pinched, likely reddened by the squeeze.

They say the King of Hell is easy to meet, but a minor demon is hard to deal with. His Majesty was far removed from her; with righteousness on her side, the Emperor could not hassle her due to his status.

But what His Majesty didn't care about didn't mean the others wouldn't care, which was why Lian Hua would rather offend the Emperor than these concubines.

The lotus appreciation banquet was about to begin. Concubines passed by from time to time, ignoring Lian Hua as if she was invisible. Even the few concubines who had previously shown an interest in her acted the same. Who would dare to befriend someone who defied His Majesty? Lacking such discernment, they might bring trouble upon themselves one day.

Just as the banquet was about to commence, the Noble Consort arrived fashionably late in her palanquin. Passing by Lian Hua, she ordered the eunuch to stop and looked down imperiously to inquire who was kneeling on the ground.

Lian Hua quickly prostrated herself and stated she was Daying Lian from Canglan Court.

The mention of this person impressed upon the Noble Consort's memory deeply, the daydreamer who had nearly caused her disgrace on her birthday. Unmoved, she asked, "Why are you kneeling here?"

Lian Hua respectfully replied, "To answer Consort, I did not understand the rules. Beauty Li generously cared to instruct me, allowing me to reflect introspectively until the start of the banquet. I have knelt for a long time and understand the good intentions behind Beauty's strictness. In the future, I will surely learn the proper conduct, not to disappoint Beauty Consort."

Noble Consort understood and felt somewhat uncomfortable; since when was it a Beauty's place to teach the Concubines' manners? Still, she showed no sign of displeasure and said to Lian Hua, "Get up. The banquet is about to start. Come in with me."

To her, a mere Daying was not worth losing composure over. She didn't mind showing her magnanimity in front of her.

Lian Hua, followed by Xiao Qing, repeatedly expressed gratitude.

Knees aching from kneeling, she was finally allowed to stand. Steadying herself, Lian Hua slowly straightened up and followed behind the Noble Consort to the lotus appreciation banquet. After presenting the customary respects to the Noble Consort, she took her place at the lowest rank.

Beauty Li watched as the Noble Consort brought Lian Hua in, feeling flustered and staring at Lian Hua nonstop. Noticing Beauty Li's gaze, Lian Hua offered her a sweet smile, which left Beauty Li anxious as if the smile hid ill-intent.

The lotus appreciation banquet was, in essence, a convention for the concubines under the guise of enjoying lotus flowers, where each one displayed their finest jewels, not willing to be outdone by the others. The event was essentially a grand flaunting session among well-fed, high-ranking women.

The Noble Consort was the undisputed queen of the gathering. Drinking tea elegantly with a faint smile on her lips, she sat at the head of the table, looking down at the other concubines engaging in veiled contests of wit, dominating the scene. She only occasionally offered a comment or two, every gesture exuding elegance and grace.

Lian Hua was, at best, merely an audience member.

The banquet offered some pastries and tea, but such festivities didn't concern Lian Hua, especially when everyone avoided her. Unable to find anyone to talk to, she simply helped herself to the tea and pastries.

Truth be told, Lian Hua was somewhat saddened by the ostracism and difficulties, but she knew her place as a low-ranking consort and that she should be self-aware. Besides, she was never invited to such occasions before, and even just to see the world was a good thing.

Not to mention the delicious food—she planned to quietly wrap up some with her handkerchief to take back for Xiao Qing to taste. With this in mind, Lian Hua quickly adjusted her attitude, relaxing and not caring about the other conversations. She concentrated on evaluating the pastries and deciding which to take back, as they were all high-quality treats rarely available to her. She owed this fortune to the favor of Noble Consort.

Whispers about His Majesty reached her ears, and Lian Hua stopped her indulgence in the sweets, pricking up her ears.