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Shen Chuwei glanced at the flower in Shuiyao’s hand, the same variety as the one the wet nurses held yesterday. Indeed, it was not easy to spot the poisonous insects hidden in the petals.

Even the wet nurses could not have imagined someone would tamper with the flowers.

Chuwei let go of Susu’s hand and descended from the couch, walking leisurely toward Shuiyao. She admired the delicate flower in her hand—visually appealing, but unfortunately, it was toxic.

"The flower is very pretty, no wonder the babies like it."

Shuiyao introduced it with a smile, "The Crown Princess might not know, but this flower comes from seeds brought by Xueyue; it’s only found in Qimeng Hall, a truly precious variety."

"No wonder I haven’t seen it before; turns out it’s a flower from Xueyue Country." Chuwei reached out to take the flower from Shuiyao’s hand, "It’s beautiful. I’ll accept it on behalf of the babies. Please convey my thanks to Concubine Xue for the gift."

"The Crown Princess is too polite. It’s most important that the babies like it." Shuiyao then pointed to another bunch of flowers, "These are specially for the Crown Princess’s enjoyment."

Chuwei stared at the exceptionally vibrant bouquet in Shuiyao’s arms, a shade of red like blood, even redder than roses.

"Is that so? Concubine Xue is very thoughtful."

"Then I shall unreservedly accept it." Chuwei said, taking the last bunch of flowers from Shuiyao’s hands.

While Shuiyao was in Hehuan Hall, Chun Xi had also taken a pot of flowers to Qimeng Hall.

A palace maid entered to report: "Master, Chun Xi from Hehuan Hall has arrived."

Concubine Xue frowned upon hearing that Chun Xi from Hehuan Hall had come, "What does she want?"

The palace maid replied, "She’s come to deliver something."

Concubine Xue’s brows furrowed, deliver something? Sending her something out of the blue, surely it meant no good.

"Let her in."

"Yes." After the palace maid withdrew, she led Chun Xi inside.

This was only Chun Xi’s second visit to Qimeng Hall, the first being last year.

Chun Xi approached and bowed, "Concubine Xue, my master heard about the flowers that Concubine Xue would send to Hehuan Hall today. In keeping with the etiquette of reciprocating gifts, she had me bring a pot of flowers over to Concubine Xue."

Concubine Xue glanced at the flowers in her arms, a nondescript yellow one. She had given a very precious flower, and the Crown Princess was reciprocating with an unwanted wildflower?

The Crown Princess, lacking both taste and discernment.

"Give my thanks to the Crown Princess." She shifted her gaze away and continued sipping her tea.

Chun Xi, unfazed by the snub, asked with a smile, "How long has Concubine Xue been in the palace?"

Concubine Xue frowned at Chun Xi’s lingering presence, "It’s been less than two years, why?"

Chun Xi’s expression suddenly turned cold, "After being in the palace for so long, doesn’t Concubine Xue know that one must personally receive gifts from those of higher rank?

Especially gifts bestowed by the Crown Princess, Concubine Xue must not only receive them in person but also express gratitude. "

Chun Xi emphasized the last sentence with a tone reminiscent of a seasoned palace matron.

Hearing this, discontent rose in Concubine Xue’s heart, yet palace rules dictated otherwise, and it would reflect poorly on her if word got out that she, a princess, lacked manners.

Reluctantly setting her tea cup aside, Concubine Xue stood up and took the pot of flowers from Chun Xi’s hand, immediately wrinkling her nose at the unpleasant smell.

"Thank the Crown Princess for this gift." Inside, she cursed, Be gone, wench!

Chun Xi, as if reading Concubine Xue’s thoughts by her deeply furrowed brows, asked with feigned seriousness, "It seems like Concubine Xue does not appreciate the gift from my master."

Concubine Xue held her breath, forcing a smile to dismiss Chun Xi quickly, "Of course I like it, how could I not like something from the Crown Princess."

Pleased, Chun Xi nodded, "That’s good to hear."

Concubine Xue, seeing Chun Xi still not leaving and cursing inwardly, was struggling to contain herself.

Chun Xi, noticing Concubine Xue’s reddening face, continued, "This flower is extremely precious, available only in Hehuan Hall.

The Crown Princess has put much effort and time into nurturing it.

The flower is very delicate, and Concubine Xue must remember to water it moderately each morning, then let it absorb sunlight appropriately. Any slight misstep, and it will wilt."

Concubine Xue’s face flushed, nearly gasping for air to avoid passing out from the stench.

Catching Concubine Xue’s near-fainting expression, Chun Xi barely held back a laugh, then composed herself.

"You must remember this, Concubine Xue. I shall now return to report." Chun Xi turned and left with a chuckle, striding away cheerfully.