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Zhang Qing came to his senses and followed suit with a bow; instantly, the courtyard was filled with the sound of people paying their respects.

The Noble Consort raised her hand and called, "Rise," then, with a gentle smile on her face, she glanced slightly over her shoulder and said, "Sister Lian, you needn’t be too courteous.

I have come here this time to congratulate you on your promotion.

Congratulations on becoming a Beauty, I have specifically ordered a gift to be prepared for you. "

As she finished speaking, she glanced at Cai Xia, who hurried towards the side where the gift was placed.

With her head bowed, Lian Hua blinked. She had thought the Noble Consort was here to challenge her, not to bring a gift. Oh, how embarrassing this was.

She kept a faint smile and said respectfully to the Noble Consort, "Thank you, Your Highness." After these words, she said no more.

The Noble Consort waited for a moment, and seeing that Lian Hua only thanked her without exchanging any pleasantries, felt displeased, yet she still said warmly, "A few days ago, I failed to notice, and it led to some grievances for you, my sister. I hope you don’t hold it against me."

Lian Hua respectfully replied, "I wouldn’t dare," her head still bowed, showing no warmth.

The Noble Consort could no longer keep up appearances. Was Beauty Lian truly this indifferent or was it an act? Wasn’t this the time for her to show some inclination and offer a way out? What did ’I wouldn’t dare’ mean? Did it mean she wouldn’t dare to blame, yet still held a grudge?

She suppressed her anger internally, as her dignified visit to offer congratulations and seek harmony had faced one complication after another, ending with a soft rebuff which truly upset her.

Paying no more attention to Lian Hua, she turned as if she had just noticed Zhang Qing and said, "Chief Steward Zhang is also here? How has His Majesty been recently?"

Zhang Qing bowed and replied, "Your Highness, His Majesty has been in good health, all is well." Thinking the Noble Consort was merely here to present a gift, and with Nanny Qi present, who would dare to cause any mischief? He was still immersed in the shock of seeing Nanny Qi.

The Noble Consort was about to ask a few more questions, but Nanny Qi spoke up, "Noble Consort Xue, you have seen everyone, and the gift has been given; it is getting late and I won’t keep you for lunch on behalf of Beauty Lian."

The Noble Consort lowered her head, feeling somewhat aggrieved, and said, "Nanny Qi, I haven’t seen you for a long time and was momentarily overjoyed. Also, seeing that Sister Lian is now well, I felt relieved and spoke a few more words than necessary. Given that, I will take my leave now."

Nanny Qi, without lifting an eyelid, simply uttered a faint "Hmm."

Seeing that Nanny Qi showed little reaction, the Noble Consort could only obediently leave. Before leaving, she said to Lian Hua, "Sister, I shall go first, we shall invite you over another day."

Walking towards her palanquin, as she boarded, she earnestly said to Nanny Qi, "Nanny Qi, you are of advanced age, please take great care of your health; if you feel unwell, I..."

Nanny Qi waved her hand dismissively as if shooing a fly and said, "Enough, don’t curse me now, I understand, now go." Noble Consort Xue was always too scheming for her liking, and she could not be bothered with pleasantries.

Back when His Majesty wanted to elevate her to the position of Noble Consort, she did not approve; nonetheless, it was His Majesty’s own consideration, and it was not for a servant like her to second guess.

Lian Hua could not help but widen her eyes and sneak a peek; the scene felt so eerie. She had only seen the Noble Consort being submissive in front of His Majesty, never like a meek kitten, which was very novel to her.

She grew increasingly curious about the stern old lady before her eyes.

The Noble Consort merely wanted to show her care, but meeting Nanny Qi after all these years, she found the woman still as impenetrable as before. Not daring to delay any further, she left, feeling stifled along with her entourage.

A group of people hurriedly bowed to send off the Noble Consort.

After they left, Lian Hua craned her neck to watch them walk away. After they had gone, she patted her chest and sighed with relief.

Now, speaking with the Noble Consort made her feel extremely uneasy. The conversations were always layered, and she had no idea what was expected of her.

She could only respond to whatever was said to her, and would refrain from any unnecessary words. She didn’t want to expound and since she couldn’t outwit them, she decided not to try.

Good that they left, good that they left. She felt at ease now that they were gone.

Lian Hua brightened up and turned around, only to see an old lady and a plump young girl looking at her. They were the ones who had driven the Noble Consort away.

Lian Hua hurriedly hid her joy, her eyes darting around. The old lady had such a commanding aura, even the Noble Consort was no match for her, which Lian Hua admired greatly, giving her the same favorable impression as Consort Zhaoyi.

Hmm... she would have to suck up to her from now on. Whenever the Noble Consort came by, she could bring out the old lady to scare her. Perfect.

Nanny Qi also sized up the young girl before her. She was surprised. The girl had a bit of baby fat on her cheeks, her round almond eyes sparkled, and her face was rosy, looking na?ve and adorable. She was easy to read at a glance. Nanny Qi had not expected the Emperor to fancy such a girl.

Though Lian Hua had grand plans in her mind, she felt rather shy about actually implementing them and didn’t know how to start flattering someone. She fidgeted with her fingers and hesitantly said, "Grandma, you, you..."

She stammered for a long time, unable to complete her sentence, and finally remembered what she had said about lunch. A burst of inspiration struck her, and she asked, "Have you eaten?"

Nanny Qi found it amusing, how transparent the girl was with her thoughts, not knowing how to hide them at all.

No wonder the Emperor had invited her. Such a person wouldn’t last long in this harem, especially since she had heard that the girl had already been framed a few days ago.

It was a surprise she hadn’t been targeted more often.

Nanny Qi felt a significant responsibility but she didn’t show it, maintaining a stern face she said, "Master Lian should not call this humble servant ’grandma.’ This servant’s name is Qi. You may address me as Nanny Qi. As for lunch, I have not eaten yet."

Lian Hua nodded like a pecking chicken, "Yes, yes, Nanny Qi. Would you like some fish? We have caught some. How about fish for lunch?" His Majesty might not know whether he would come for lunch. Let’s save a fish for him.

Nanny Qi noticed that the girl had not corrected her address, and frowned slightly, saying sternly, "Master Lian, we must be clear about our roles. You must not call me ’grandma.’"

Lian Hua quickly agreed, "Right, as you say. So, about the fish? Shall I cook it for you?"

As she spoke, she gestured over her shoulder toward Xiao Jizi, who was carrying the fish, "Hurry, let Nanny Qi see how fat the fish we caught are."

"Yes." Xiao Jizi, carrying the bucket, quickly ran over, his astonishment no less than that of Zhang Qing.

Nanny Qi was well-respected during her time at the Star Palace; it was said that His Majesty held her in high esteem. Xiao Jizi never imagined she would now be in Canglan Court, commanding even the Noble Consort to respect her.

Upon hearing this, Nanny Qi’s brows furrowed even deeper. There was a place to fish inside the palace? Where did this girl get the fish?

Zhang Qing immediately started to cough.

He knew Nanny Qi well, aware of her strict adherence to protocol and seriousness.

If she found out Master Lian had recklessly fished in the Huaqing Pool, she would certainly reprimand her severely, and now Master Lian was heading straight into the line of fire, causing him immense anxiety.

He hurried ahead of Xiao Jizi, blocking his path, and bowed to Nanny Qi, "Nanny Qi, it has been a long time since we saw our family, and we’ve missed you deeply. How have you been feeling?"

What a joke, the Managerial Nanny of the Former Empress Dowager, her seniority was indeed high. Hadn’t the Noble Consort withdrawn her claws in her presence?