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Just thinking about this made the Noble Consort’s chest ache and feel stifled.

His Majesty did not delight in extravagance, yet did he truly favor Beauty Lian so much? He even bestowed upon her the Moonlight Skirt.

Talented Lady Jia, this ignorant woman, actually treated it as common fabric—what a joke, and there were even several fools who echoed her sentiment...

Normally, the Noble Consort hoped these people would be as foolish as possible, but now she found herself wishing they had a bit of cleverness, not to embarrass themselves before attempting to make a spectacle of others.

Upon hearing this, Lian Hua turned her head to look at Talented Lady Jia sitting below her, her face somewhat familiar, yet she couldn’t quite remember clearly.

After thinking for a moment, she hesitantly said, "You are?"

"Oh—now I remember." Before Talented Lady Jia could speak, Lian Hua continued, suddenly recalling, "You used to follow behind Beauty Li of Driftfrost Hall, right? I remember you, you are Sister Jia, my apologies."

Talented Lady Jia clenched her teeth—Beauty Lian must be doing this on purpose, pretending not to remember her and then mentioning Lady Li, that despicable woman—it was so frustrating.

What was so great about becoming a Beauty? Among all in the palace, she was the youngest, yet she called her ’sister,’ infuriating her!

Hmph, with her poor appearance, she should not become proud and arrogant due to temporary favor; let’s see who has the last laugh!

Talented Lady Jia, who used to depend on Beauty Li’s moods, now seemed to be taking her revenge, detesting anyone mentioning Beauty Li. It reminded her of how subservient and pitiful she used to be around Beauty Li, and if anyone brought it up, it was as if they were cutting open her heart.

Talented Lady Jia’s nose twisted with anger, yet she still had to endure and replied, "Indeed, it is this concubine."

Anxious to regain some ground, she added, "I’m not sure where Beauty Lian had this outfit made, it truly seems too hastily done. Although this concubine lacks expertise, I do have some understanding of tailoring. If Beauty Lian needs assistance, I could offer you some tips!"

After speaking, she felt quite smug; in the aspects of clothing and jewelry, she did have some insights.

Lian Hua said, "I’m not clear on that either."

The dress given by His Majesty, she honestly didn’t know where it was made.

But was it really done in a slipshod manner?

She looked down at the dress she was wearing, feeling quite pleased with it—it was also comfortable, and the night she wore it for His Majesty, he said it was very nice, Sister Zhaoyi also praised it.

However, how nice it truly was she couldn’t quite articulate, only that it was better than any other clothing she owned.

In the past, her mother had personally tried to teach her to distinguish jewelry and clothing, but at the time she was still young and not very attentive, so while she vaguely felt the dress was extraordinary, she couldn’t pinpoint what made it so.

Maybe she should ask His Majesty later how much silver this dress was worth. That would be the most straightforward way to know its worth.

But now, did the ladies in the palace have such high demands for clothing? Even calling what she wore plain and dull?

Ah, in that case, maybe in the future, Talented Lady Jia would need to hang several large lanterns on herself to be bright enough!

Talented Lady Jia laughed scornfully, "Perhaps Beauty Lian had the servant take care of it, just be careful not to be fooled by them." As she said this, she looked at the people following Lian Hua with a face full of contempt and disdain.

Lian Hua turned to look back at Xiao Jizi, Xiao Qing, and the others, who were each so honest. Talented Lady Jia was saying her people were no good, just like hers were.

Hmph, she simply wouldn’t stand for this.

She unapologetically said, "Sister Jia need not worry about it, those with guilty consciences are the ones who are suspicious. This dress was given by His Majesty, if you want to know, you can go and ask him yourself."

After speaking, she was fuming. How dare she speak ill of her people—as if she were easy to bully.

Talented Lady Jia choked, unable to even catch a glimpse of His Majesty’s presence, let alone inquire.

After realizing what was happening, she was suddenly startled. Were these garments a gift from His Majesty? But how, how could they have not a single bit of embroidery? They looked so ordinary!

Suspicion churned within her, and she dared not linger on this topic, but recalling her earlier remarks, she broke out in a cold sweat. Had she just scorned something sent by His Majesty?

The onlookers, originally just there for the spectacle, now had eyes red with jealousy, reddened by envy. They couldn’t even get close to His Majesty, much less receive a thoughtful gift from him.

The Noble Consort’s eyes brimming with cool detachment and her face expressionless, she closed her eyes briefly, concealing the resentment in her heart. Her guess was not wrong; it was indeed a gift from His Majesty.

Usually, the most His Majesty would bestow were bolts of fabric.

When had he ever taken the time to give someone garments that fit?

She had thought it was because His Majesty didn’t understand women, so he didn’t bestow these things.

Now it seemed, it was simply that His Majesty did not care, see?

How fitting those garments were on the one from Canglan Court!

However, Lian Hua didn’t care about the thoughts and stares of the others. She spoke righteously, "Sister Jia seems to disdain simplicity and frugality. Xiao Jizi, what does His Majesty usually teach?"

In the side hall of Canglan Court.

During a break from reviewing memorials, the Emperor recalled the words of the Young Eunuch and quietly sighed; it seemed ’a single day apart feels like three seasons have passed’.

In the past, when the Little Concubine was at Canglan Court, whether he was attending court or managing state affairs in the Star Palace, just the thought of her waiting for him at the Court and that he could see her upon his return, was comforting.

Today, however, not having seen her upon his return was unbearable. Even his Little Concubine had moments when she did not wait for him, he thought, and the notion made him feel sour.

Nowadays, every frown and every smile of hers captivated his thoughts. When she was there, his heart was full; when she was not, his heart felt empty. Sigh.

Lost in thought, the Emperor suddenly startled; something was amiss about the Young Eunuch’s report. Upon reflection, he realized what was wrong.

The words reported by the Young Eunuch weren’t in the style of his Little Concubine!

Her fiery nature dictated that she did what she wanted without delay. She wouldn’t slowly procrastinate saying she’d return after having some tea and refreshments, not once but twice.

If she truly decided to return, she could simply eat and return immediately. Even if she had no desire to return, she wouldn’t use such a delaying excuse.

Something was definitely amiss, seriously amiss!

So, he hurriedly summoned two Young Eunuchs and inquired after the last one who had gone to see her, asking what his Little Concubine was doing at the time, and what exactly Xu Rongying was doing.

The Young Eunuch stammered, his face flushed as he admitted he hadn’t seen anyone himself. It was someone from under Xu Zhaoyi who had spoken to him and he had rushed back to report without asking further questions.

The Emperor said nothing, now completely understanding; it was clearly a stalling strategy!

As expected, after questioning the other eunuch who had gone before, he got the same conclusion.

The Emperor fumed, thinking bitterly, "So clever, Xu Rongying, using a stalling strategy on me, detaining my person. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?"

He knew his Little Concubine was sensible. How could she stay at Huaying Hall for so long during her first visit? She wasn’t familiar with Xu Rongying, so what could justify such a long stay?

This was clearly Xu Rongying clutching onto her and not letting her leave!

What on earth did Xu Rongying intend to do? Could it be she harbored ill intentions towards his innocent and naive Little Concubine?!

What audacity! She hasn’t even crossed the river yet, and Xu Rongying is already dismantling the bridge. Does she no longer wish to vindicate her Brother Ming?

Thinking that his Little Concubine might currently be in Huaying Hall, under Xu Rongying’s oppressive control, wanting yet not daring to leave, and feeling utterly wronged, the Emperor could sit still no longer. His expression turned stern as he hurriedly led his men towards Huaying Hall.

He had to see for himself what Xu Rongying was up to!