Chapter 9: The Price of Favor
"Are these Vermillion Bird Chinese tea set and Dragon Caldas pottery real or fake?" the Empress Dowager asked, her voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.
"Your Highness, based on my expertise, I can confirm that these objects are not fakes. They are indeed authentic," Eunuch Lu responded confidently, his gaze unwavering.
The Empress Dowager's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "You're certain these are real?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Without a doubt, they are genuine," Eunuch Lu affirmed with a deep bow.
"That's excellent," the Empress Dowager said, a pleased smile spreading across her face.
Huang Ning's mind raced as she clenched her fists, nails digging into her palm. 'This can't be happening. She's using this opportunity to win favor with the Empress Dowager and restore her reputation. If I don't act fast, the Empress Dowager might start favoring her more than me,' she thought bitterly.
"What are you waiting for? Apologize to Nian Nian immediately," the Empress Dowager's commanding voice cut through Huang Ning's thoughts.
Huang Ning's eyes flickered with resentment as she bit her lip. "I'm sorry, Elder Sister," she muttered through gritted teeth.
"That won't do," the Empress Dowager said sternly. "You owe her a proper apology—twice—since your earlier one was insincere."
Huang Ning glanced sideways at Di Chen, silently pleading for his intervention, but he simply returned her gaze with an expression that said, 'You're on your own.'
"Huang Ning, apologize now," the Empress Dowager insisted, her patience wearing thin.
Huang Ning bowed stiffly, her voice dripping with forced humility. "I'm deeply sorry, Sister. Please forgive me."
"Ning'er, be careful not to jump to conclusions next time," Huang Nian replied with a calm smile. "I won't be so forgiving if this happens again."
"Nian Nian, come sit beside me," the Empress Dowager beckoned warmly.
"Yes, Your Highness," Huang Nian said as she gracefully moved to sit beside her.
"Serve Huang Nian tea and snacks," the Empress Dowager instructed.
The maids swiftly obeyed, setting out an array of delicate pastries and pouring fragrant tea for Huang Nian.
'How is the Empress Dowager favoring her so much today?' Huang Ning fumed silently. 'I'll need to find some rare treasures too if I want to regain her favor.'
"You three may leave. I wish to speak privately with Huang Nian," the Empress Dowager said, waving them off.
"Yes, Your Highness," they replied in unison before exiting the chamber.
---
Outside the Palace
"What kind of spell did that trash cast on the Empress Dowager?" Huang Tian grumbled, frustration evident in his tone.
"Elder Sister, I doubt it's a spell. It's probably just because of those rare gifts she gave. Honestly, even I would be impressed by such treasures," Huang Ning replied, her voice tinged with reluctant admiration.
"Is that all? Then let's give the Empress Dowager rare gifts too," Huang Tian suggested. "You're always so kind, covering for her, yet she never shows any appreciation."
"No matter what Sister Nian does, I'll always protect her. After all, she is still my sister," Huang Ning said, her voice softening as she looked into the distance, her emotions conflicted.
---
At the Huang Mansion
"Young Miss, where did you get the gifts you presented to the Empress Dowager? Even the master doesn't possess such rare treasures," Ye Xiwu asked, curiosity evident in her eyes.
"I obtained them from—"
"Huang Nian," a deep, commanding voice interrupted.
Huang Nian turned and saw her father, Huang Yuan, approaching with a stern expression.
"Good evening, Father," Huang Nian greeted, bowing respectfully.
"Good evening, Nian Nian. I heard you caught the Empress Dowager's attention today and gifted her some very rare objects. Where exactly did you acquire such treasures?" Huang Yuan's gaze was sharp, probing for answers.