CHAPTER 146: CHAPTER 146: WOMEN’S DISPUTES

"Hmph, truly unlucky."

Du Changzai whispered, and Ming Changzai stood nearby, naturally hearing it.

But her expression showed no fluctuation, still bearing a faint smile.

In an instant, Consort Ye’s eyes deepened.

So she smiled and responded.

"Have you been to the garden in front?"

"Not yet."

"I heard they’ve planted a large grove of Golden Osmanthus Trees, and though it’s not August yet, some flowers have already bloomed. I love the fragrance of Golden Osmanthus, so I invited Du Changzai to accompany me. If Ming Changzai is free, you could join us."

Upon hearing this, Du Changzai became displeased.

She grabbed Consort Ye’s hand, about to say something, when Consort Ye gently patted her hand.

She frowned and shook her head.

This comforted Du Changzai.

She stood aside, pouting silently.

Ming Changzai had no intention of entangling with them, but seeing Du Changzai’s awkward demeanor at that moment,

she gladly agreed.

Hence, the originally paired visit to the garden became a group of three.

Though two were still chatting and laughing, an unwilling Du Changzai was added.

In the traveling palace, there are many gardens.

Each is meticulously cultivated by the gardeners.

Thus, they appear especially vibrant and lively.

After a short walk, the fragrance of the Golden Osmanthus floated out.

Everyone says the scent of osmanthus in August is fragrant.

But the palace is, after all, the palace, even the flowering season can be advanced by a month.

Though the blooming areas weren’t many, the sparse blooms on the branches were quite lovely.

Golden Osmanthus, as the name suggests, has a yellow and white hue.

Though the flowers are tiny and delicate, their aroma is exceptionally rich.

Initially overwhelming, the scent gradually becomes intoxicatingly sweet.

Ming Changzai watched as Consort Ye leaned forward to inhale the floral scent deeply, she scrutinized her internally.

It seems she’s a real person who hides her true self!

"Which year did Consort Ye enter the palace? This little sister has just arrived and knows little about the palace affairs."

Ming Changzai feigned curiosity, opening her mouth to ask.

Beside her, Du Changzai was noticeably displeased.

"Oh, I thought since Ming Changzai now receives favor, her information should be sharper, and she should have inquired about the ups and downs in the palace. How is she feigning ignorance here?"

Ming Changzai, repeatedly provoked, felt a flicker of temper even with the best disposition.

Yet, after her face turned cold, she regained her smile.

Her gaze wasn’t directed at Du Changzai but rather at Consort Ye.

She acted as if Du Changzai was air, ignoring her completely.

"I was formerly a palace maid in the Inner Court Department. Though I’ve been in the palace for quite some time, the years as a concubine haven’t been long, about six years now."

Five or six years, referring to the eleventh year of Yuanhe, is when she gained favor.

No wonder Du Changzai and she became friends.

Both have climbed up from being palace maids.

Unfortunately, one still remembers the rules, remaining restrained without contention or rivalry.

The other is rather bold, seeking to stand out in everything.

Hearing this, Ming Changzai understood.

She smiled more broadly at Lin Guiren and said,

"Elder sister has such a good nature and temperament, I admire it. If elder sister doesn’t mind, we should get in touch more in the future."

Having been in the palace long enough means she might have a grasp on many harem affairs.

Hence, forming a good relationship could only be beneficial.

Consort Ye also put on a calm and amiable smile, looking at Ming Changzai.

She spoke as she normally would to her,

"That would be delightful."

Watching the two suddenly seem deeply bonded, Du Changzai fumed internally.

She wanted to leave in a huff, but those in front weren’t someone she could afford to offend.

She had little foundation in the harem.

Having sided with Lin Guifei, she hadn’t enjoyed a few days of comfort before the woman was placed under house arrest.

She tried to cling to Nanny Du, but the old woman was unyielding as a stone, refusing any attention.

Now, she thought of past ties and befriended Consort Ye.

Yet Ming Changzai came in to stir things up.

She genuinely felt that nothing was favorable upon entering the traveling palace.

Sour words could be spoken, but larger actions were inadvisable.

No matter how Ming Changzai held the same rank as her, her family background was much better.

More importantly, she was currently favored by the Emperor, and offending her gravely might be a path of self-destruction.

Thus, she could only clutch the handkerchief tightly, following behind the two.

Her eyes were filled with dissatisfaction.

As they continued walking, they saw Bai Pin sitting not far away in Yiran Pavilion.

Recently, she’d been furious, not even leaving her quarters, and reportedly smashing things daily.

How come she was leisurely enough to come to the garden today?

Ming Changzai wasn’t foolish. She naturally knew she had seriously offended Bai Pin.

So she was fully prepared.

Taking a deep breath, she followed Consort Ye and Du Changzai to Yiran Pavilion to pay respects.

Their ranks were all below Bai Pin, so it was customary to greet and show courtesy.

Originally, Bai Pin didn’t intend to acknowledge them, but upon seeing Ming Changzai, she immediately grew irritated.

Having been outdone by a nondescript Changzai after preparing meticulously for so long!

Since the Qiqiao Palace banquet, the Emperor had summoned Ming Changzai several times.

She placed all her anger and blame on her.

Indeed, it was her misfortune to bump into her this way.

So, she spoke with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes,

"You three sisters may rise. Such a coincidence, this is my first outing, and we meet."

The words were casually spoken, yet her tone was laced with coldness.

As for whom this coldness was directed at, everyone present understood.

Du Changzai stood aside, head slightly lowered, but clearly eager to see the drama unfold.

Ming Changzai remained calm on the surface, but inside, she was very uneasy.

If she truly had the Emperor’s favor, it might be different.

At least she would have enough confidence.

But now, if Bai Pin really picked a quarrel, how should she respond?

Just as she contemplated, Bai Pin spoke.

"I almost forgot to invite you three sisters for tea."

Offering unsolicited favors often hides malice.

Yet, knowing Bai Pin’s intentions weren’t pure, they couldn’t find an excuse to leave.

Otherwise, they’d certainly make an enemy of her.

At least Du Changzai was quite willing, so she laughed and was the first to climb the stairs, walking straight into the pavilion.

True enough, on the stone table in the middle of the pavilion, there were some tea sets.

Bai Pin had a cup before her, and the other cups were now being filled by her maid Bai Zhi, served to the three.