Chapter 7, The Tedious Palace Intrigue

You...! Ling Yuejia took a few steps forward, wanting to slap Ling Yuexing, but unexpectedly tripped over a small section of vine that suddenly emerged from beneath her feet, falling flat on the ground.

"Your Highness!" The Empress suddenly jumped up and hurried over to help Ling Yuejia to her feet

They were so enchanted by Ling Yue Xing Li, who is not a disciple of the mysterious old man, that they forgot Ling Yue Xing Li is the cherished treasure of Ling Yue Zheng Kang. Now, it seems that this list of Ling Yue Xing Li will truly be delivered, and they will either spend their lives in the cold palace or be neglected, with no hope of ever rising to prominence!

Pfft... Someone below covered their mouth and started to laugh. The frustration of being schemed against by the queen has finally been released.

"Xiao Guiren, with so many princesses here, whom are you calling?" The eldest princess, Ling Yuejia, sitting in the first position on the right, said with a cold smile, her lips curling slightly, exchanging a glance with the queen seated beside her.

Little pear

Indeed, I have heard that the Crown Prince, concerned that she might feel lonely and isolated due to her long absence from the palace, kindly came to keep her company yesterday. Yet, she made the Crown Prince wait for several hours, truly ungrateful for his goodwill

Ah, it seems that the rules are truly not understood; it appears that in recent years, the rustic atmosphere has indeed been brought into the palace from the countryside

Ling Yue Xingli's expression was somewhat peculiar due to the Queen's words. Watching the Queen and those below her enjoying the pastries, Ling Yue Xingli couldn't help but laugh inwardly. She certainly wouldn't tell them that this sweet 'deliciousness' was because of the air freshener she brought from the modern world

Then I will say, the Empress does not mind, right? Climbing up the pole, Ling Yuexing is not shy at all.

The faces of the concubines fluctuated between shades of blue and white, and the queen in the main seat also wore an unsightly expression. The women in the harem, including the queen herself, were not exempt from this situation. To openly slap the queen in such a blatant manner showed an audacity that was truly remarkable. Yet, no one dared to confront her, as long as Lingyue Zhengkang still regarded her as a treasure

From afar, Ling Yue Xing Li could hear the sounds of laughter coming from her palace. Upon reaching the entrance, she was greeted by a room full of flowers, vibrant and colorful, with a myriad of blooms competing for attention. However, the mixed scents of various cosmetics created a pungent odor that could almost suffocate flies and cockroaches, yet those women seemed completely oblivious to their lack of self-awareness

... ...

How have I gone too far

"Rest assured, I do not hold grudges," Ling Yuexingli said, waving her hand with an unchanged expression. Just as a few people breathed a sigh of relief, they were once again alerted by Ling Yuexingli's next words: "I have always liked to have others help me remember grudges and take revenge for me. I will speak well to Father Emperor about this, and it just so happens that the quality of the harem can be ensured as well. Little Li, please see our guests out." Feeling somewhat bored, Ling Yuexingli dismissed the guests and returned to her books.

Uh... you speak. The queen was momentarily taken aback by Lingyuexing's smooth reception.

As they approached, some inside also noticed that Lingyuexing had left, and the laughter abruptly ceased, instantly replaced by envious and disdainful glances that pierced like daggers.

Ladies, the reason I have gathered you here today is to reunite with our long-lost Princess Xingli. So let us refrain from discussing trivial matters. Come, come, everyone should try these pastries from Xingli; I cannot fathom what they are made of, but they are incredibly fragrant and sweet. As she spoke, she elegantly picked up a pastry from the tea table and began to eat it gracefully, skillfully diverting attention from the list concerning Lingyue Xingli, clearly not allowing the concubines an opportunity to speak.

In two rows of people, on the left side sits the concubines, while on the right side sits the princesses. As for the woman sitting in the main seat, leisurely sipping tea with an air of arrogance, is she not the empress Liu, whose good fortune was ruined by Ling Yuexing?

Having played enough, Ling Yuexing felt a bit bored again. Indeed, palace intrigue is the most tedious. However, it is fortunate that Ling Yuexing's friend Xingfeng has come to stir up trouble, taking her to Curtis Academy. It is likely to be more enjoyable than staying in this palace

Suddenly, no one could laugh anymore. The queen's face turned pale, and she quickly pulled Ling Yuejia behind her: "Xing Li, your royal sister was just speaking out of anger, don't take it to heart, and don't hold a grudge..." If this statement were to reach Ling Yuezhengkang's ears, it would not only jeopardize her title as queen, but it would also be impossible for Ling Yuezhengkang to step into her room again!

After a few steps, she took a seat next to the queen, as the main seat had been taken away, but she was not prepared to sit below and be treated like her grandson

"Those things, the woman who just opened her mouth, please register your name, and I will send it to the Emperor shortly." Look, that woman, the Empress, is quite lucky, isn't she? After receiving the tea presented by Xiao Li, Ling Yuexing said lightly. However, this one seemingly casual remark instantly caused those below to widen their eyes and fall silent.

The stunning gaze swept gently across the women present, causing them to feel an inexplicable chill, and they secretly regretted their decision to come, wishing they had not. Although Ling Yuexing had not been taught by the Elder Xuanji, she was ultimately someone who had caught the eye of others. Just look at how wise the mothers of Ling Yueyou and Ling Yueli are; it is truly too late for regrets, too late for regrets!

Exactly, exactly

One by one, they believed that Ling Yuexing Li was afraid and did not refute them, becoming increasingly enthusiastic in their remarks. It seems that over the past month, they had been served a cold shoulder by Ling Yuexing Li, which left them feeling stifled. The princess and the queen, on the other hand, were quite fortunate; they remained silent, merely wearing a malicious smile, content to watch the drama unfold

Alas, our Master Xuanji's 'disciple' keeps us waiting for quite some time

"You are the queen, the master of this palace. Your father, the emperor, has entrusted you with the management of these concubines. The quality of the women in the harem has been declining increasingly. Is it that Her Majesty the Queen has been slacking off?" Ling Yuexing said lightly, taking a sip of tea. Trying to use her to deal with a rival in love? She doesn't know how to write the word 'death'!

"Oh dear, Princess..." The youngest and most beautiful woman among the concubines was the first to respond

What is everyone talking about? You all seem so happy. Would you mind sharing with Xingli?" With a faint smile, Lingyue Xingli slowly walked into the great hall, quickly getting a general understanding of the newcomers.

Yes. Although Xiao Li felt frustrated inside, she remained resolute and united in facing the enemy when they arrived

Indeed, however, she is the lofty Princess Xingli, so how could she possibly regard us with any significance

Ling Yue Xing Li! Do not go too far! Ling Yue Jia slammed the table and stood up, her eyes almost spitting fire as she looked at Ling Yue Xing Li. The Empress is the mother of both her and the Crown Prince; how could she allow her to insult her indirectly!

Star Li, your mother is not here; I am your mother. If you are lacking anything or have any matters to discuss, just tell me, understood? At this moment, the Empress's tone was soft and gentle, embodying a demeanor of kindness and grace.

"Even so, Your Highness, I shall not disturb your rest any longer," said Ling Yue You, who was seated behind Ling Yue Jia, exuding a gentle demeanor. Her words carried more influence than even the Empress, as the other concubines followed her lead and left as well

The Queen immediately interrupted, not allowing any of them the opportunity to seek an explanation.

The Star Departure Hall suddenly fell silent and cold again; if it were not for the lingering scent of cosmetics in the air, one might truly suspect that the recent events were merely an illusion

It must be you! It has to be your doing! You wild child born of a mother but raised without one! Ling Yuejia was so enraged that she didn't even bother to wipe the dust off her face, her complexion flushed with anger as she pointed at Ling Yuexing and unleashed a torrent of insults.

The queen remained silent, while the concubines, foolishly eager, vied to sing in unison, ridiculing Ling Yue Xing Li. Their words dripped with naked jealousy and sharp sarcasm, marring their otherwise beautiful faces. However, it was evident that these women were merely cannon fodder, and Ling Yue Xing Li had no intention of wasting her energy engaging with them.

"Oh dear, Your Highness, why must you go to such lengths in your speech? There is no need for such grand gestures towards your younger sister; she cannot bear it!" Ling Yuexing covered her mouth, appearing quite startled.

Upon hearing Ling Yuejia's words, many of those with a bit of sense immediately widened their eyes in realization. It turns out that the Empress summoned them today not only to put pressure on Princess Xingli but also to use Ling Yue and Xingli to deal with them. Well! What a clever way to kill two birds with one stone!