Chapter 316: 316
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Mo Junyang knew what Shi Qingxue was thinking about. He rubbed her nose and said with a smile, “Don’t worry. No matter how much Qi Ruyue is like King Rui’s late wife, she is just an imitation, and he won’t make her his wife.”
Shi Qingxue pouted. “But your father changes his attitude too quickly, and others can’t see through him.”
“It doesn’t matter…” Mo Junyang told Shi Qingxue what had happened in his mansion just now.
Shi Qingxue was stunned after hearing that and then couldn’t help but get happy. “Is your younger brother stupid? He just came to your mansion only a few days ago. Even though King Rui treats him specially, he is just an illegitimate son. However, he intends to shake your position and fight for your father’s love unexpectedly…”
If Qi Zhengdao was smarter, he should know his position, love his father and respect his elder brother, trying to make a favorable impression on them. Even if he was stupid, he should behave himself and obediently follow his father’s and brother’s orders.
After all, Mo Junyang had revealed his attitude, and Mo Xiangrui’s intention was obvious.
Then Qi Zhengdao’s good life could be expected soon.
However, this teenager was not smart enough but pretended to be smart and gilded the lily, attempting to be a whistle blower, while he made a fool of himself.
He just became a laughingstock for no reason.
Mo Junyang sneered and commented, “It’s good to be scheming, while perhaps Qi Zhengdao needs to toughen himself. However, it’s Father’s business anyway, and we don’t need to bother about it too much.”
Shi Qingxue tilted her head and pondered for a while. Seeing that Mo Junyang didn’t take Qi Zhengdao to heart, she nodded. “Okay. Let’s forget him.”
They clung to each other and chatted in low voices.
The carriage entered the imperial palace slowly.
After they got out of the carriage and walked for only a few steps, the eunuch Quan who worked for the emperor walked toward them in haste. “Your Excellency, My Lady.”
“Lord Quan, nice to see you. Why are you waiting here? Is there something important?” Shi Qingxue asked.
Quan looked at Mo Junyang in embarrassment and opened his mouth, trying to say something, yet he stuttered and couldn’t speak a word.
“Say it.” Mo Junyang was in a good mood today, so he ordered Quan without delay.
Quan replied hurriedly, “His Majesty has told me to wait here earlier and bring you to the study to see him after you enter the imperial palace, Your Excellency.”
Mo Xiangbin stopped them off guard, and they looked at each other speechlessly.
“Did His Majesty say what was the matter?” Mo Junyang asked casually and didn’t plan to go.
Quan moaned secretly after seeing that and thought, “His Excellency is too arrogant. Others will rush to see His Majesty once they are summoned, as they are afraid that they will make His Majesty unhappy if they go there slowly.”
Only Mo Junyang looked calm and didn’t even want to go seemingly.
What was going on?
“Your Excellency, His Majesty summoned you, so there must be something urgent. Please come with me quickly and don’t keep His Majesty waiting for long.” Quan begged yet didn’t have the nerve to pull Mo Junyang.
Mo Junyang couldn’t feel Quan’s thought for him. He just stood there indifferently and stared at Quan.
Shi Qingxue knew that it was not that Mo Junyang didn’t show respect to Mo Xiangbin, but they had just agreed that they would stay together at the banquet.
Mo Xiangbin tried to separate them, and it would be surprising if Mo Junyang was willing to surrender easily.
Qingxue pondered for a moment and glanced at Quan apologetically. Then she pulled Mo Junyang aside and advised him in a low voice, “You have said that it’s an eventful period now. If you disobey His Majesty’s order openly, won’t you give others a chance to comment on you?”
While speaking, she squinted at Mo Junyang’s face. Seeing that he seemed to be unhappy, she added at once, “It’s okay with me when I am alone. Don’t worry about me too much. Moreover, if you tell Zichao to follow me, what will you worry about?”
Shi Qingxue said a lot and considered many aspects, but she didn’t guess Mo Junyang’s thought deep in his heart. He didn’t want to part with her.
Every year and month, every day and night, at any time…
However, Mo Junyang was always good at concealing his emotions. Even though he had feelings, he wouldn’t show them when he didn’t want to.
After Qingxue said that, he nodded gently and answered, “I will tell Zichao to stay with you. If there is something, just tell somebody to see me.”
“Okay. Go now.”
Before they came to the banquet, they had to get parted.
Shi Qingxue looked at Mo Junyang going away, while the relief she showed intentionally disappeared gradually, and it was replaced with a reserved emotion.
She stood there quietly and furrowed her arched eyebrows, looking serious.
“My Lady, what’s wrong with you?” Dong Shuang didn’t know why, so she asked in secret.
Shi Qingxue shook her head and didn’t explain but replied, “Nothing. Let’s go.”
Even she hadn’t figured out something, so she wouldn’t speak it out rashly.
As soon as Shi Qingxue entered the imperial garden where the banquet was held, followed by a group of people, a maid-in-waiting walked to her and bowed, greeting, “My Lady, nice to see you. Her Highness told me to say hello to you.”
Qingxue returned a bow. “Thank Her Highness for her concern. I am very well. Please say hello to her for me.”
There was such a rule in the Mo Dynasty.
If an imperial concubine in the palace liked a noble lady but it was inconvenient to see her alone, she would tell her maid to say hello.
In this case, if a noble lady received more imperial concubines’ greetings, it meant that she had a high position and good reputation among the ladies from the noble families.
Now Duke Shi’s family enjoyed great popularity, and Shi Qingxue was cared and favored, so among the noble ladies, she received most imperial concubines’ greetings.
However, Shi Qingxue was confused this time.
She had never seen this maid and didn’t know who she worked for. Not all the imperial concubines qualified to send a maid to greet the noble ladies. Was there an imperial concubine being favored now?
The maid stated, “Her Highness asked you to see her after the banquet.”
This one sent a maid to greet her in public and asked Shi Qingxue to see her in private.
Shi Qingxue didn’t feel happy to have this honor but frowned.
Only the empress would and could do so in the past. Shi Qingxue was sure that this maid was not from the empress’s palace.
It meant that somebody prepared to challenge Empress Liang’s position…
Shi Qingxue looked around and happened to see that the maid Qiao’er, who could be seen frequently around the empress fell behind and stopped, looking at her. That maid looked nervous and emotional but didn’t walk over, as if she had scruple.
Gee!
Qingxue pouted secretly and certainly understood that she had become a target and good luck that the forces in the imperial palace fought for.
Those people wanted to take her as a tool, yet she wouldn’t give in easily.
She stared at the maid in front of her for quite a while and then asked unhurriedly, “I haven’t asked you. Who are you working for?”
The maid swelled out her chest. “My name is Bailu. I work in Lady Liu’s palace.”
Shi Qingxue was stunned but soon understood.
In the imperial palace, only Concubine Liu had power to compete with Empress Liang.
However, in the past, Concubine Liu was favored by the emperor, and although she was arrogant, she had never crossed the line, while this time, she summoned Shi Qingxue before the empress, and it appeared that she was going to surpass the empress.
Shi Qingxue pondered yet didn’t show any emotions. She just nodded at the maid Bailu. “I will follow Her Highness’s order.”
Bailu heard Shi Qingxue’s response and then left with satisfaction.
Shi Qingxue still stood there, and then several maids were sent by favored imperial concubines to greet her, so she replied all of them.
Only Empress Liang’s maid Qiao’er didn’t come forward.
On second thought, even when they greeted, there was an unwritten rule.
A person of a higher position naturally had the power to greet a noble lady before a person of a lower position, but Bailu greeted Shi Qingxue before Qiao’er.
If Qiao’er came forward at this hour, wouldn’t the onlookers think that the empress was inferior to Concubine Liu?
If she didn’t come forward and only the empress did nothing while many imperial concubines said hello to a noble lady, wouldn’t she give the “strong force” to others?
Qiao’er was hesitant, and Shi Qingxue naturally understood her.
However, Shi Qingxue was not a kind person, and Empress Liang had once harmed her, so she wouldn’t show sympathy or help them out of the predicament.
After talking with the people from the imperial palace, she brought her people to the banquet.
It was Shi Baoyan’s first time to attend such a grand banquet. As soon as she entered the imperial palace, she was dazzled after seeing the elegant and noble decoration everywhere. Then she felt ashamed of her ungainly appearance as she saw the clothes and jewelry of the passers-by.
Fortunately, as Shi Qingxue had predicted it, she made a nice customized coat for her half-sister before entering the imperial palace and gave her many pieces of exquisite jewelry, so Shi Baoyan wouldn’t be outshone by a random maid-in-waiting.
Shi Baoyan was clear that she was like a frog living at the bottom of a well in the royal family members’ eyes and couldn’t attract their attention.
Thinking that she had done something wantonly to Shi Qingxue in the past, she felt too ashamed to show her face and understood that Shi Qingxue didn’t bother about her. Otherwise, she would never have such a chance.
For example, if Shi Qingxue didn’t sincerely bring her into the imperial palace to enrich her experience today but was forced to bring her for the sake of Shi Junhe’s dignity, she could embarrass her half-sister even if she didn’t do anything.
Moreover, others wouldn’t notice her, a lowly concubine’s daughter. Even though she was from Duke Shi’s mansion, it was nothing.
Shi Baoyan grabbed Shi Qingxue’s hand and stated sincerely for the first time, “Sister, thanks, and…”
She lowered her head with a blush, and her voice was as low as a mosquito’s. She was so ashamed that she wanted to find a place to hide herself. “I was too conceited in the past. I am sorry.”
In the past, she tried to fight for everything against Shi Qingxue, while now she had to lower her head first, and it would kill her. Even so, she said that and admitted her fault.
After saying that, she restrained her shyness and raised her head slowly, looking at Shi Qingxue, with fragility and hope in her eyes.
This time, she wanted to make peace with Shi Qingxue from the bottom of her heart.
But would Shi Qingxue accept her apology as she had been harmed by her in the past?
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Mo Junyang knew what Shi Qingxue was thinking about. He rubbed her nose and said with a smile, “Don’t worry. No matter how much Qi Ruyue is like King Rui’s late wife, she is just an imitation, and he won’t make her his wife.”
Shi Qingxue pouted. “But your father changes his attitude too quickly, and others can’t see through him.”
“It doesn’t matter…” Mo Junyang told Shi Qingxue what had happened in his mansion just now.
Shi Qingxue was stunned after hearing that and then couldn’t help but get happy. “Is your younger brother stupid? He just came to your mansion only a few days ago. Even though King Rui treats him specially, he is just an illegitimate son. However, he intends to shake your position and fight for your father’s love unexpectedly…”
If Qi Zhengdao was smarter, he should know his position, love his father and respect his elder brother, trying to make a favorable impression on them. Even if he was stupid, he should behave himself and obediently follow his father’s and brother’s orders.
After all, Mo Junyang had revealed his attitude, and Mo Xiangrui’s intention was obvious.
Then Qi Zhengdao’s good life could be expected soon.
However, this teenager was not smart enough but pretended to be smart and gilded the lily, attempting to be a whistle blower, while he made a fool of himself.
He just became a laughingstock for no reason.
Mo Junyang sneered and commented, “It’s good to be scheming, while perhaps Qi Zhengdao needs to toughen himself. However, it’s Father’s business anyway, and we don’t need to bother about it too much.”
Shi Qingxue tilted her head and pondered for a while. Seeing that Mo Junyang didn’t take Qi Zhengdao to heart, she nodded. “Okay. Let’s forget him.”
They clung to each other and chatted in low voices.
The carriage entered the imperial palace slowly.
After they got out of the carriage and walked for only a few steps, the eunuch Quan who worked for the emperor walked toward them in haste. “Your Excellency, My Lady.”
“Lord Quan, nice to see you. Why are you waiting here? Is there something important?” Shi Qingxue asked.
Quan looked at Mo Junyang in embarrassment and opened his mouth, trying to say something, yet he stuttered and couldn’t speak a word.
“Say it.” Mo Junyang was in a good mood today, so he ordered Quan without delay.
Quan replied hurriedly, “His Majesty has told me to wait here earlier and bring you to the study to see him after you enter the imperial palace, Your Excellency.”
Mo Xiangbin stopped them off guard, and they looked at each other speechlessly.
“Did His Majesty say what was the matter?” Mo Junyang asked casually and didn’t plan to go.
Quan moaned secretly after seeing that and thought, “His Excellency is too arrogant. Others will rush to see His Majesty once they are summoned, as they are afraid that they will make His Majesty unhappy if they go there slowly.”
Only Mo Junyang looked calm and didn’t even want to go seemingly.
What was going on?
“Your Excellency, His Majesty summoned you, so there must be something urgent. Please come with me quickly and don’t keep His Majesty waiting for long.” Quan begged yet didn’t have the nerve to pull Mo Junyang.
Mo Junyang couldn’t feel Quan’s thought for him. He just stood there indifferently and stared at Quan.
Shi Qingxue knew that it was not that Mo Junyang didn’t show respect to Mo Xiangbin, but they had just agreed that they would stay together at the banquet.
Mo Xiangbin tried to separate them, and it would be surprising if Mo Junyang was willing to surrender easily.
Qingxue pondered for a moment and glanced at Quan apologetically. Then she pulled Mo Junyang aside and advised him in a low voice, “You have said that it’s an eventful period now. If you disobey His Majesty’s order openly, won’t you give others a chance to comment on you?”
While speaking, she squinted at Mo Junyang’s face. Seeing that he seemed to be unhappy, she added at once, “It’s okay with me when I am alone. Don’t worry about me too much. Moreover, if you tell Zichao to follow me, what will you worry about?”
Shi Qingxue said a lot and considered many aspects, but she didn’t guess Mo Junyang’s thought deep in his heart. He didn’t want to part with her.
Every year and month, every day and night, at any time…
However, Mo Junyang was always good at concealing his emotions. Even though he had feelings, he wouldn’t show them when he didn’t want to.
After Qingxue said that, he nodded gently and answered, “I will tell Zichao to stay with you. If there is something, just tell somebody to see me.”
“Okay. Go now.”
Before they came to the banquet, they had to get parted.
Shi Qingxue looked at Mo Junyang going away, while the relief she showed intentionally disappeared gradually, and it was replaced with a reserved emotion.
She stood there quietly and furrowed her arched eyebrows, looking serious.
“My Lady, what’s wrong with you?” Dong Shuang didn’t know why, so she asked in secret.
Shi Qingxue shook her head and didn’t explain but replied, “Nothing. Let’s go.”
Even she hadn’t figured out something, so she wouldn’t speak it out rashly.
As soon as Shi Qingxue entered the imperial garden where the banquet was held, followed by a group of people, a maid-in-waiting walked to her and bowed, greeting, “My Lady, nice to see you. Her Highness told me to say hello to you.”
Qingxue returned a bow. “Thank Her Highness for her concern. I am very well. Please say hello to her for me.”
There was such a rule in the Mo Dynasty.
If an imperial concubine in the palace liked a noble lady but it was inconvenient to see her alone, she would tell her maid to say hello.
In this case, if a noble lady received more imperial concubines’ greetings, it meant that she had a high position and good reputation among the ladies from the noble families.
Now Duke Shi’s family enjoyed great popularity, and Shi Qingxue was cared and favored, so among the noble ladies, she received most imperial concubines’ greetings.
However, Shi Qingxue was confused this time.
She had never seen this maid and didn’t know who she worked for. Not all the imperial concubines qualified to send a maid to greet the noble ladies. Was there an imperial concubine being favored now?
The maid stated, “Her Highness asked you to see her after the banquet.”
This one sent a maid to greet her in public and asked Shi Qingxue to see her in private.
Shi Qingxue didn’t feel happy to have this honor but frowned.
Only the empress would and could do so in the past. Shi Qingxue was sure that this maid was not from the empress’s palace.
It meant that somebody prepared to challenge Empress Liang’s position…
Shi Qingxue looked around and happened to see that the maid Qiao’er, who could be seen frequently around the empress fell behind and stopped, looking at her. That maid looked nervous and emotional but didn’t walk over, as if she had scruple.
Gee!
Qingxue pouted secretly and certainly understood that she had become a target and good luck that the forces in the imperial palace fought for.
Those people wanted to take her as a tool, yet she wouldn’t give in easily.
She stared at the maid in front of her for quite a while and then asked unhurriedly, “I haven’t asked you. Who are you working for?”
The maid swelled out her chest. “My name is Bailu. I work in Lady Liu’s palace.”
Shi Qingxue was stunned but soon understood.
In the imperial palace, only Concubine Liu had power to compete with Empress Liang.
However, in the past, Concubine Liu was favored by the emperor, and although she was arrogant, she had never crossed the line, while this time, she summoned Shi Qingxue before the empress, and it appeared that she was going to surpass the empress.
Shi Qingxue pondered yet didn’t show any emotions. She just nodded at the maid Bailu. “I will follow Her Highness’s order.”
Bailu heard Shi Qingxue’s response and then left with satisfaction.
Shi Qingxue still stood there, and then several maids were sent by favored imperial concubines to greet her, so she replied all of them.
Only Empress Liang’s maid Qiao’er didn’t come forward.
On second thought, even when they greeted, there was an unwritten rule.
A person of a higher position naturally had the power to greet a noble lady before a person of a lower position, but Bailu greeted Shi Qingxue before Qiao’er.
If Qiao’er came forward at this hour, wouldn’t the onlookers think that the empress was inferior to Concubine Liu?
If she didn’t come forward and only the empress did nothing while many imperial concubines said hello to a noble lady, wouldn’t she give the “strong force” to others?
Qiao’er was hesitant, and Shi Qingxue naturally understood her.
However, Shi Qingxue was not a kind person, and Empress Liang had once harmed her, so she wouldn’t show sympathy or help them out of the predicament.
After talking with the people from the imperial palace, she brought her people to the banquet.
It was Shi Baoyan’s first time to attend such a grand banquet. As soon as she entered the imperial palace, she was dazzled after seeing the elegant and noble decoration everywhere. Then she felt ashamed of her ungainly appearance as she saw the clothes and jewelry of the passers-by.
Fortunately, as Shi Qingxue had predicted it, she made a nice customized coat for her half-sister before entering the imperial palace and gave her many pieces of exquisite jewelry, so Shi Baoyan wouldn’t be outshone by a random maid-in-waiting.
Shi Baoyan was clear that she was like a frog living at the bottom of a well in the royal family members’ eyes and couldn’t attract their attention.
Thinking that she had done something wantonly to Shi Qingxue in the past, she felt too ashamed to show her face and understood that Shi Qingxue didn’t bother about her. Otherwise, she would never have such a chance.
For example, if Shi Qingxue didn’t sincerely bring her into the imperial palace to enrich her experience today but was forced to bring her for the sake of Shi Junhe’s dignity, she could embarrass her half-sister even if she didn’t do anything.
Moreover, others wouldn’t notice her, a lowly concubine’s daughter. Even though she was from Duke Shi’s mansion, it was nothing.
Shi Baoyan grabbed Shi Qingxue’s hand and stated sincerely for the first time, “Sister, thanks, and…”
She lowered her head with a blush, and her voice was as low as a mosquito’s. She was so ashamed that she wanted to find a place to hide herself. “I was too conceited in the past. I am sorry.”
In the past, she tried to fight for everything against Shi Qingxue, while now she had to lower her head first, and it would kill her. Even so, she said that and admitted her fault.
After saying that, she restrained her shyness and raised her head slowly, looking at Shi Qingxue, with fragility and hope in her eyes.
This time, she wanted to make peace with Shi Qingxue from the bottom of her heart.
But would Shi Qingxue accept her apology as she had been harmed by her in the past?
Mo Junyang knew what Shi Qingxue was thinking about. He rubbed her nose and said with a smile, Don't worry. No matter how much Qi Ruyue is like King Rui's late wife, she is just an imitation, and he won't make her his wife.Shi Qingxue pouted. But your father changes his attitude too quickly, and others can't see through him.It doesn't matter Mo Junyang told Shi Qingxue what had happened in his mansion just now.Shi Qingxue was stunned after hearing that and then couldn't help but get happy. Is your younger brother stupid? He just came to your mansion only a few days ago. Even though King Rui treats him specially, he is just an illegitimate son. However, he intends to shake your position and fight for your father's love unexpectedlyIf Qi Zhengdao was smarter, he should know his position, love his father and respect his elder brother, trying to make a favorable impression on them. Even if he was stupid, he should behave himself and obediently follow his father's and brother's orders.After all, Mo Junyang had revealed his attitude, and Mo Xiangrui's intention was obvious.Then Qi Zhengdao's good life could be expected soon.However, this teenager was not smart enough but pretended to be smart and gilded the lily, attempting to be a whistle blower, while he made a fool of himself.He just became a laughingstock for no reason.Mo Junyang sneered and commented, It's good to be scheming, while perhaps Qi Zhengdao needs to toughen himself. However, it's Father's business anyway, and we don't need to bother about it too much.Shi Qingxue tilted her head and pondered for a while. Seeing that Mo Junyang didn't take Qi Zhengdao to heart, she nodded. Okay. Let's forget him.They clung to each other and chatted in low voices.The carriage entered the imperial palace slowly.After they got out of the carriage and walked for only a few steps, the eunuch Quan who worked for the emperor walked toward them in haste. Your Excellency, My Lady.Lord Quan, nice to see you. Why are you waiting here? Is there something important? Shi Qingxue asked.Quan looked at Mo Junyang in embarrassment and opened his mouth, trying to say something, yet he stuttered and couldn't speak a word.Say it. Mo Junyang was in a good mood today, so he ordered Quan without delay.Quan replied hurriedly, His Majesty has told me to wait here earlier and bring you to the study to see him after you enter the imperial palace, Your Excellency.Mo Xiangbin stopped them off guard, and they looked at each other speechlessly.Did His Majesty say what was the matter? Mo Junyang asked casually and didn't plan to go.Quan moaned secretly after seeing that and thought, His Excellency is too arrogant. Others will rush to see His Majesty once they are summoned, as they are afraid that they will make His Majesty unhappy if they go there slowly.Only Mo Junyang looked calm and didn't even want to go seemingly.What was going on?Your Excellency, His Majesty summoned you, so there must be something urgent. Please come with me quickly and don't keep His Majesty waiting for long. Quan begged yet didn't have the nerve to pull Mo Junyang.Mo Junyang couldn't feel Quan's thought for him. He just stood there indifferently and stared at Quan.Shi Qingxue knew that it was not that Mo Junyang didn't show respect to Mo Xiangbin, but they had just agreed that they would stay together at the banquet.Mo Xiangbin tried to separate them, and it would be surprising if Mo Junyang was willing to surrender easily.Qingxue pondered for a moment and glanced at Quan apologetically. Then she pulled Mo Junyang aside and advised him in a low voice, You have said that it's an eventful period now. If you disobey His Majesty's order openly, won't you give others a chance to comment on you?While speaking, she squinted at Mo Junyang's face. Seeing that he seemed to be unhappy, she added at once, It's okay with me when I am alone. Don't worry about me too much. Moreover, if you tell Zichao to follow me, what will you worry about?Shi Qingxue said a lot and considered many aspects, but she didn't guess Mo Junyang's thought deep in his heart. He didn't want to part with her.Every year and month, every day and night, at any timeHowever, Mo Junyang was always good at concealing his emotions. Even though he had feelings, he wouldn't show them when he didn't want to.After Qingxue said that, he nodded gently and answered, I will tell Zichao to stay with you. If there is something, just tell somebody to see me.Okay. Go now.Before they came to the banquet, they had to get parted.Shi Qingxue looked at Mo Junyang going away, while the relief she showed intentionally disappeared gradually, and it was replaced with a reserved emotion.She stood there quietly and furrowed her arched eyebrows, looking serious.My Lady, what's wrong with you? Dong Shuang didn't know why, so she asked in secret.Shi Qingxue shook her head and didn't explain but replied, Nothing. Let's go.Even she hadn't figured out something, so she wouldn't speak it out rashly.As soon as Shi Qingxue entered the imperial garden where the banquet was held, followed by a group of people, a maid-in-waiting walked to her and bowed, greeting, My Lady, nice to see you. Her Highness told me to say hello to you.Qingxue returned a bow. Thank Her Highness for her concern. I am very well. Please say hello to her for me.There was such a rule in the Mo Dynasty.If an imperial concubine in the palace liked a noble lady but it was inconvenient to see her alone, she would tell her maid to say hello.In this case, if a noble lady received more imperial concubines' greetings, it meant that she had a high position and good reputation among the ladies from the noble families.Now Duke Shi's family enjoyed great popularity, and Shi Qingxue was cared and favored, so among the noble ladies, she received most imperial concubines' greetings.However, Shi Qingxue was confused this time.She had never seen this maid and didn't know who she worked for. Not all the imperial concubines qualified to send a maid to greet the noble ladies. Was there an imperial concubine being favored now?The maid stated, Her Highness asked you to see her after the banquet.This one sent a maid to greet her in public and asked Shi Qingxue to see her in private.Shi Qingxue didn't feel happy to have this honor but frowned.Only the empress would and could do so in the past. Shi Qingxue was sure that this maid was not from the empress's palace.It meant that somebody prepared to challenge Empress Liang's positionShi Qingxue looked around and happened to see that the maid Qiao'er, who could be seen frequently around the empress fell behind and stopped, looking at her. That maid looked nervous and emotional but didn't walk over, as if she had scruple.Gee!Qingxue pouted secretly and certainly understood that she had become a target and good luck that the forces in the imperial palace fought for.Those people wanted to take her as a tool, yet she wouldn't give in easily.She stared at the maid in front of her for quite a while and then asked unhurriedly, I haven't asked you. Who are you working for?The maid swelled out her chest. My name is Bailu. I work in Lady Liu's palace.Shi Qingxue was stunned but soon understood.In the imperial palace, only Concubine Liu had power to compete with Empress Liang.However, in the past, Concubine Liu was favored by the emperor, and although she was arrogant, she had never crossed the line, while this time, she summoned Shi Qingxue before the empress, and it appeared that she was going to surpass the empress.Shi Qingxue pondered yet didn't show any emotions. She just nodded at the maid Bailu. I will follow Her Highness's order.Bailu heard Shi Qingxue's response and then left with satisfaction.Shi Qingxue still stood there, and then several maids were sent by favored imperial concubines to greet her, so she replied all of them.Only Empress Liang's maid Qiao'er didn't come forward.On second thought, even when they greeted, there was an unwritten rule.A person of a higher position naturally had the power to greet a noble lady before a person of a lower position, but Bailu greeted Shi Qingxue before Qiao'er.If Qiao'er came forward at this hour, wouldn't the onlookers think that the empress was inferior to Concubine Liu?If she didn't come forward and only the empress did nothing while many imperial concubines said hello to a noble lady, wouldn't she give the strong force to others?Qiao'er was hesitant, and Shi Qingxue naturally understood her.However, Shi Qingxue was not a kind person, and Empress Liang had once harmed her, so she wouldn't show sympathy or help them out of the predicament.After talking with the people from the imperial palace, she brought her people to the banquet.It was Shi Baoyan's first time to attend such a grand banquet. As soon as she entered the imperial palace, she was dazzled after seeing the elegant and noble decoration everywhere. Then she felt ashamed of her ungainly appearance as she saw the clothes and jewelry of the passers-by.Fortunately, as Shi Qingxue had predicted it, she made a nice customized coat for her half-sister before entering the imperial palace and gave her many pieces of exquisite jewelry, so Shi Baoyan wouldn't be outshone by a random maid-in-waiting.Shi Baoyan was clear that she was like a frog living at the bottom of a well in the royal family members' eyes and couldn't attract their attention.Thinking that she had done something wantonly to Shi Qingxue in the past, she felt too ashamed to show her face and understood that Shi Qingxue didn't bother about her. Otherwise, she would never have such a chance.For example, if Shi Qingxue didn't sincerely bring her into the imperial palace to enrich her experience today but was forced to bring her for the sake of Shi Junhe's dignity, she could embarrass her half-sister even if she didn't do anything.Moreover, others wouldn't notice her, a lowly concubine's daughter. Even though she was from Duke Shi's mansion, it was nothing.Shi Baoyan grabbed Shi Qingxue's hand and stated sincerely for the first time, Sister, thanks, andShe lowered her head with a blush, and her voice was as low as a mosquito's. She was so ashamed that she wanted to find a place to hide herself. I was too conceited in the past. I am sorry.In the past, she tried to fight for everything against Shi Qingxue, while now she had to lower her head first, and it would kill her. Even so, she said that and admitted her fault.After saying that, she restrained her shyness and raised her head slowly, looking at Shi Qingxue, with fragility and hope in her eyes.This time, she wanted to make peace with Shi Qingxue from the bottom of her heart.But would Shi Qingxue accept her apology as she had been harmed by her in the past?
