Huafei Niangniang had always been ruthless, a female version of Sun Xiaoguo in the imperial harem. To dare to seduce the Emperor in my palace? I think you're looking for death by lighting a lamp in the latrine.
With that, she used an excuse of improper hair combing, having Songzhi slap Fuzi several times, and then ordered Zhou Ninghai to throw her into a well for pickling.
Despite successfully eliminating her love rival, her mood remained foul. She had worn a scowl the entire way.
But the moment she stepped into Jingren Palace, Jiang Ling's face changed as if she were a Sichuan opera performer, her eyes and brows instantly turning upwards. She was still Huafei Niangniang, favored by the Emperor, aloof, and imperious.
Upon entering the main hall, all concubines except the Empress and Consort Qi curtsied, greeting, "Greetings, Huafei Niangniang!"
Jiang Ling raised her hand with a haughty, arrogant gesture, "Rise, everyone!"
Her gaze shifted to Xin Bajiji, and she said coldly, "Consort Xin's health seems to have improved; you've come so early?"
Last night, the Emperor slept in this wretched woman's palace. She had a miscarriage over a month ago and has been clingy with the Emperor every day. It's infuriating!
Xin Bajiji replied submissively, "I felt a bit unwell this morning, but that shouldn't prevent me from paying my respects to the Empress!"
Seeing her so meek and subservient, Jiang Ling merely snorted, too lazy to bother with her.
Jiang Yushuang, playing Consort Qi who depended on the Empress, spoke up, "Your Majesty the Empress, Consort Xin is not feeling entirely well, but she is much better than before."
Sister Fen, playing the Empress, was almost speechless upon hearing Consort Qi's nonsensical statement, her eyes about to roll back.
The issue now was that Consort Hua was late for the morning greetings. Who asked you to care about Xin Bajiji, this insignificant nobody?
Consort Qi Erha, go and attack Consort Hua!
Jiang Ling's eyes flickered, and she smiled at Consort Qi, "Consort Qi's sister is becoming more plump; the Emperor will surely like it when he sees you."
You haven't seen the Emperor in a long time, and you've gained weight again. Let's see if the Emperor likes you.
Consort Qi Erha, true to her name, thought Huafei was complimenting her beauty when she mentioned her plumpness, and happily replied, "Thank you, dear sister, for your kind words!"
Jiang Ling: "..."
After a moment of stunned silence, Jiang Ling smiled and said, "I forgot; the Emperor hasn't seen Consort Qi's sister in a long time. My memory is poor, please don't hold it against me!"
Let me be direct: the Emperor doesn't like your foolish self!
This time, Consort Qi understood. Her face turned green with anger, and she quickly waved her hand, "It's nothing, it's nothing!"
Having successfully put down Consort Qi Erha, Jiang Ling was in a good mood. She stepped forward and perfunctorily curtsied, "Greetings to the Empress."
As the queen of fake smiles, naturally accustomed to feigning reluctant virtue before the Emperor and the other consorts, she wouldn't make a fuss about greetings, unlike Consort Hua.
The Empress smiled kindly and said, "Be seated, and serve tea!"
A cup of steaming tea was brought over. Jiang Ling took a sip, placed the teacup down with a forced smile, and said to the Empress, "Is this last year's Longjing? Your Ladyship hasn't finished it yet?"
A concubine's daughter is still a concubine's daughter. Even as Empress, the Emperor doesn't favor you; you only deserve to drink last year's tea.
Only I, the concubine most favored by the Emperor, am qualified to drink this year's fine tea.
However, such verbal attacks were nothing more than superficial jabs to the Empress.
Jiang Ling's eyes darted, and she revealed a look of disdain, casually remarking, "Old tea, no matter how well preserved, still has a musty smell."
Old people, no matter how well they maintain themselves, have now become faded matrons.
The Empress, unable to miss the hidden meaning, instantly stiffened.