Ji Mingfu laughed and said, "Congratulations, Fourth Sister."
Ji Mingxuan's face carried some happiness but also some shyness.
"Third Sister..."
Seeing this, Ji Mingfu said, "Fourth Sister, the Empress always likes well-behaved people. Don't show off your power."
Ji Mingxuan said, "I know, Third Sister. Don't worry."
Hearing this, Ji Mingfu continued, "Fourth Sister, make sure you prepare well. I won't bother you."
Ji Mingxuan thought for a moment and personally helped Ji Mingfu up. Then, following Ji Mingfu, she stepped out of Jing An Palace together. Ji Mingfu felt warm in her heart. Her usually distant half-sister actually treated her kindly. Sending her off personally meant she hoped her half-sister wouldn't think too much!
Outside Jing An Palace, Ji Mingxuan watched Ji Mingfu leave.
Zhi Cao saw Ji Mingfu's figure disappear and helped Ji Mingxuan return to the palace.
Ordering the servants to leave.
Ji Mingxuan immersed herself in the water, preparing for sleeping with the emperor. Although she knew this day would come, she still harbored an underlying aversion.
Knowing she couldn't breathe, Ji Mingxuan came out of the water.
Water dripped from her face, with droplets forming under her eyebrows and eyelashes. Her eyes were half-open, showing she was unhappy.
Lowering her head, her fair and smooth skin, slender yet perfectly proportioned body, was indeed outstanding. Even touching her face, her innocent and charming appearance didn't seem like a red-haired woman causing trouble.
A determined look flashed across Ji Mingxuan's eyes.
She took off her clothes and dressed herself properly.
Then, she called someone in.
Zhi Cao was surprised to see Ji Mingxuan wearing clothes. She almost dropped whatever she was holding.
"Master..."
Ji Mingxuan saw that what Zhi Cao was holding were various perfumes. She immediately shook her head: "Withdraw them."
This couldn't be done. These were special perfumes sought by Auntie Yue, and if used, they would ensure the scent lasted long. It was said that many people liked them.
Ji Mingxuan said, "Although Auntie Yue's items are good, can they compare to those in the palace? Using them might end up being counterproductive."
Zhi Cao carefully considered this point.
But she couldn't just use nothing? Ji Mingxuan said, "I have my own plan. Help me get ready!"
Zhi Cao put down the items.
"Master, what makeup do you want?"
Ji Mingxuan said, "Something simple and fresh-looking will suffice."
Zhi Cao thought for a moment, then moved her fingers skillfully. Just as she was about to apply the makeup from the Inner Court, Ji Mingxuan suddenly had an idea. She then placed a small amount of red on her nose to smell it.
After a while, Ji Mingxuan put her hand down, seeing Zhi Cao looking confused.
Ji Mingxuan said, "Continue. This fragrance is nice, but too strong. A little lighter would be enough."
Zhi Cao "hmph"ed.
After a short while, a clear reflection appeared in the mirror. Ji Mingxuan was satisfied, but then ordered Zhi Cao to braid her hair into a delicate Lingxu Jiu.
Ji Mingxuan smiled, then picked up her eyebrow powder and flower decoration, applying a few strokes.
Originally a plain and innocent girl, she suddenly transformed dramatically. When closely examined, pureness mixed with seductiveness, seductiveness mixed with innocence, and innocence mixed with resilience.
Zhi Cao was shocked. Ji Mingxuan said, "Put on the jewelry."
Zhi Cao neatly helped Ji Mingxuan get dressed.
Once everything was set up, Ji Mingxuan sat on the chair, holding a cup of Fragrant peach and plum tea.
Zhi Cao served her, but her eyes occasionally glanced outside. Ji Mingxuan smiled, she seemed more nervous than herself.
Finally, 9 p.m arrived.
A four-person carriage stopped in front of her eastern palace door.
Zhi Cao hurriedly helped Ji Mingxuan sit in the carriage.
As soon as the curtain was lowered, the palace maidservants and eunuchs got up and called, "Sending off Your Excellency."
Yancheng Hall, where concubines slept with the emperor.
A spacious room filled with bright yellow colors, Ji Mingxuan stood alone in the room, feeling more complicated than ever before.
Night grew deeper.
No one entered the door.
Ji Mingxuan sat by the bed, unmoving.
Almost another hour passed, and it was late at night.
Ji Mingxuan was starting to feel sleepy.
She stood up, taking a few steps to try and become more alert.
Suddenly, the door opened. Ji Mingxuan immediately ran to the bed and prepared!
Zhao Cunzhe looked at the unstable Ji Mingxuan, closing the door behind him.
"You've been sitting like this all along?" His voice was extremely cold, vastly different from the one he used during the day.
Ji Mingxuan's heart chilled. She thought for a moment, staying calm and said, "Concubine... Concubine just took a few steps!"
The last word was spoken very softly.
Zhao Cunzhe didn't say anything. He slowly approached her.
Her attire was decent, indicating she had taken some effort. Compared to what she looked like during the day, she was indeed easier to arouse his interest. Not overly elaborate, not too subtle, nor neutral.
Pure and alluring, this phrase suddenly described the woman before him.
Hearing her honest words, Zhao Cunzhe felt somewhat satisfied. Approaching her side, the faint fragrance of peach blossoms entered his nostrils. Besides roses, this was the most tempting scent to him.
Zhao Cunzhe grabbed a strand of black hair scattered on her shoulder. Confused, the peach blossom fragrance seemed to have disappeared. Upon closer inspection, the fragrance really seemed to have vanished.
Zhao Cunzhe's gaze became deeper, and his hand unconsciously lifted her. Ji Mingxuan's face began to flush, her soft, bewitching eyes containing clear, gentle light, making it impossible not to want to hold her close.
Unfortunately, Zhao Cunzhe was no ordinary person, but he still found her interesting. Therefore, his tone softened considerably: "You're very honest, and your courage is impressive."
Ji Mingxuan laughed and said, "This is the second time His Majesty says Concubine is bold."
Zhao Cunzhe said, "I'm praising you."
Ji Mingxuan said, "Then Concubine can only accept it." She added a slight trace of unnoticeable disappointment.
Zhao Cunzhe, with his keen insight, asked, "Unhappy?"
Ji Mingxuan raised her head, then lowered it again.
"It's because this boldness made my family worried about me."
Zhao Cunzhe said, "Being bold isn't bad as long as you know how to measure yourself and will win people's affection."
Ji Mingxuan curled her lips slightly, knowing this man suspected her.
Ji Mingxuan nodded obediently.
"Concubine listens to His Majesty."
Zhao Cunzhe, noting her seemingly naive demeanor, continued, "Since Mother Empress likes you, remember to serve her well in the future."
Ji Mingxuan nodded.
Seeing this, Zhao Cunzhe said, "Change into new clothes!"
Ji Mingxuan complained internally but still trembled slightly as she reached for his robe.
Zhao Cunzhe closed his eyes, seemingly unaware of this.
However, Ji Mingxuan felt that this man before her was like a small subordinate waiting for her small attacker to strike. Thinking of this, she felt better.
Finally, he untied the outer robe, pulling her forcefully down. As she regained consciousness, she realized he had pressed her beneath him. Ji Mingxuan struggled immediately, Zhao Cunzhe's head suddenly lowered. He caught the faint peach blossom fragrance once more. This fragrance wasn't strong but precisely made hearts race. He stretched his hand towards her clothing, and the night was long, allowing him to savor it.
"Please rise for your younger sister."
Ning Guiren and Han Meina rose.
Empress Liu saw this: "Sister Ji, please sit down."
Ji Mingxuan bowed and sat opposite Dan Xiu Hua.
11.
The servant girl brought tea to Ji Mingxuan.
Ji Mingxuan drank it all with grace, Empress Liu remained silent. Yun Ping smiled at the corner of her mouth, while Dan Xiu Hua looked at her with derision. She was no doubt overestimating her.
At that moment, someone said, "Madame De and Madame Chang have arrived!"
Ji Mingxuan saw two elegant women walk in. One woman appeared fierce but her fierce demeanor did not hide her mature beauty. This should be Huang De Fei.
The other woman could be described as:
"I see Your Highness." Huang De Fei slightly bowed her body in a formal bow.
Chang Fei gracefully bowed as well: "Empress Liu's blessings."
Empress Liu smiled: "Your Highnesses, you may skip the bows and take your seats."
Huang De Fei curled her lips; she knew Empress Liu would not get angry.
Chang Fei stood up.
After they sat down, Chang Fei glanced at Ji Mingxuan and called out: "This new sister is rather unfamiliar."
Ji Mingxuan immediately got up and bowed to them: "Pleading forgiveness from Your Highness De and Your Highness Chang."
De Fei then turned her gaze towards Ji Mingxuan. She did not call her up but asked Empress Liu: "Is this new sister recently admitted to the palace? May I know which family she comes from?"
Ji Mingxuan had expected such an attitude for some time. This was partly due to watching too many palace intrigues in her previous life. Her posture did not waver; she continued to bow.
Empress Liu's eyes flashed, and she said gently: "De Your Highness eagerly wants to know about the new sister, so she should let Miss Dan Xiu Hua rise first."
Huang De Fei smiled nonchalantly: "It seems that today's newly appointed Miss Dan Xiu Hua is indeed loved."
She still did not call her up. Empress Liu's expression became somewhat displeased, and Chang Fei also smiled: "Miss Dan Xiu Hua is truly respectful. That's why she can win favor with both Empress Liu and His Majesty."
De Fei's smile faded when she heard this, then she addressed Ji Mingxuan: "Rise up!"
Ji Mingxuan stood up. Her legs were already stiff after being bent for some time, causing some numbness. Supported by Zixiu, she gratefully looked at Chang Fei.
Chang Fei seemed not to notice, and De Fei gave a cold snort.
Next came the scene where Empress Liu and De Fei engaged in a dramatic dialogue, each trying to outdo the other with their words, all while carefully considering how to save face for the losing party.
Indeed, Empress Liu and De Fei were not on good terms, as predicted.
De Fei had a son, the eldest prince who was seven years old. He was known for his intelligence and wit since entering school a year ago. Zhao Cunzhi also highly valued this eldest son. On the other hand, Empress Liu only had one daughter, later adopting the second son without a mother. However, this second son was extremely weak, and at five years old, he appeared quite unintelligent. Comparing these situations, De Fei felt confident.
Chang Fei spoke leisurely with the two concubines beside her, not participating in the conversation. Whenever Empress Liu and De Fei dragged her into the topic, she easily avoided it. Ji Mingxuan sighed inwardly; this Chang Fei was indeed not simple.
Gradually, more of the newly admitted concubines came over.
Everyone's attention focused on them, especially those who were outstanding and young. Ji Mingxuan noticed that many people clenched their silk handkerchiefs.
They finally shifted their focus away from her. After all, there were so many outstanding individuals; she, relying solely on Empress Liu's favor, didn't stand out as much.
Ning Xiu Hua and Zhou Xiu Hua were the last to arrive. When they entered, even De Fei changed her expression. They were like two extremes—exquisite and beautiful.
Everyone looked at this pair, but one person was not paying attention to them. This person was Ji Mingfu.
Ji Mingxuan sensed the gaze from the seat opposite her. Ji Mingxuan smiled at Ji Mingfu.
Ji Mingfu lowered her head, feeling complex emotions inside. While her younger sister received favor, she should be happy, right? With more people supporting her, she might fare better in the palace. However, upon learning that Emperor informed each palace about imperial decrees early morning, she felt a surge of resentment and indignation. After calming herself down and visiting the Zhao Feng Palace to meet Empress Liu, she realized her younger sister had arrived early. This relieved her concern about her younger sister becoming arrogant. But the subsequent court rituals and seating arrangements made her feel more resentful.
Ji Mingfu was calm. At this moment, she recalled the tranquility technique taught by her grandmother. She suppressed this unpleasant emotion. Seeing her younger sister's sincere smile, her heart relaxed. Why should she care so much? The honor of her younger sister was also the honor of the Ji family. Moreover, her talent and beauty were superior, and what the future held could not be predicted.
Zhou Xiu Hua wore an air of arrogance.
Ning Xiu Hua was quiet but exuded a dignified aura, surpassing any other concubine in the palace, even compared to Empress Liu and De Fei.
Having been promoted to a high position early and having such an outstanding appearance, plus coming from noble families, how could anyone remain composed?
Especially Empress Liu and De Fei.
Empress Liu warmly greeted the two sisters, while De Fei sized them up with her sharp eyes. However, Ning Xiu Hua's face remained calm and dignified. Zhou Xiu Hua glanced at De Fei, but she did not show fear or retreat.
The two sisters conversed with Empress Liu and then met the other concubines.
When Ji Mingxuan saw them approaching her, she stood up and bowed, calling them "sisters." Everyone knew that if nothing unexpected happened, these two would likely advance in rank after serving in the emperor's chambers.
Ning Xiu Hua nodded at her.
Zhou Xiu Hua stared at Ji Mingxuan for a few moments.
The grand meeting concluded abruptly once Ning Xiu Hua and Zhou Xiu Hua took their seats. Having met everyone, none of them wanted to stay chatting.
Empress Liu sighed internally and said, "I am tired." Everyone hurriedly bid farewell to Empress Liu.
There were hidden rules in the harem. De Fei and Chang Fei had not left yet, so no one else exited either. De Fei looked at the group of youthful girls and hated Empress Liu deeply. She really chose the most outstanding beauties in the world.