Yan Xiu stood with his hands behind his back, his expressionless face exuding a sense of authority.
But... it was just an impression.
Yan Xiu reacted quickly: "So according to your suggestion, my beloved concubine, how should this be remedied?"
On the bed, Han Guiren couldn’t help but clutch the bed sheets tightly, her heart instantly racing.
She could guess that she would be compensated. Her earlier conversation with Lady Li was aimed at attracting the Emperor’s attention. But she hadn’t expected the Emperor to directly seek Lady Li’s opinion.
No matter how she would be compensated, she would become a laughingstock in the eyes of others.
Just like last time.
An unsatisfied feeling rose subtly in Han Guiren’s heart.
Li Yuyu knew that Yan Xiu might not have been listening to her earlier, but she didn’t expose him. She simply said: "Emperor, I was thinking, since Han Guiren’s rank was elevated last time, perhaps this time we could reward her with some garments and jewelry. I noticed Han Guiren always dresses very plainly, surely she must be lacking accessories."
After hearing what Li Yuyu said, Yan Xiu finally turned his gaze towards Han Guiren, scrutinizing her rather intently.
Indeed, she seemed lifeless.
But he couldn’t voice this.
"Shen Quan, do as Lady Li suggested, select a few fine silks to make clothes for Han Guiren and prepare some sets of jewelry. This way, when Han Guiren accompanies the Empress Dowager, she can also be resplendently attired."
Han Guiren lowered her head: "This concubine thanks the Emperor for his great favor."
"Mm, no need to thank me. If not for Lady Li’s reminder, I would have overlooked it."
Yan Xiu naturally credited Li Yuyu for this, hoping that Han Guiren would stop provoking his Yu’er.
Little did he know, the more he did this, the more resentment it would stir in Han Guiren’s heart towards Li Yuyu.
"This concubine thanks Lady Li." Han Guiren expressed gratitude in the direction of Li Yuyu. Although she couldn’t rise to pay respects from the bed, her face was respectful, and the tone of her voice was respectful. No matter who heard or saw, they would believe Han Guiren’s gratitude was genuine.
Princess Consort De’s expression became somewhat strained.
She was the first to point out Li Yuyu’s misconduct, aiming to suppress Li Yuyu and re-establish her authority in front of the Emperor.
But now, with just one sentence from Yan Xiu, Li Yuyu had been elevated to a high position.
Aside from the Empress, who else in the harem could suggest to the Emperor how to reward the concubines? Clearly, it was Li Yuyu who overstepped, yet Yan Xiu spoke of it naturally.
Princess Consort De suddenly felt as if she had been slapped in the face in public.
She was the highest-ranking woman in the harem. She had the authority to co-manage the harem. These matters were within her duties; on what basis could Li Yuyu do them?
"Princess Consort De is right. It was this concubine who spoke out of turn."
Li Yuyu’s lips curled into a faint smile, looking at Princess Consort De, whose face showed some dissatisfaction.
Princess Consort De was stunned.
She looked around, finally meeting Yan Xiu’s deep and heavy eyes, and suddenly realized, just earlier, she had unknowingly expressed all her dissatisfaction and resentment.
The blood drained from Princess Consort De’s face in an instant. She disregarded everything else, immediately took two quick steps, and kneeled before Yan Xiu: "Emperor, this concubine... this concubine does not know why, just suddenly..."
"This concubine admits guilt, asks the Emperor for punishment."
Yan Xiu looked at Princess Consort De without expression, his dark eyes deep and inscrutable, no one could discern his thoughts from his face.
Yet, kneeling before Yan Xiu, Princess Consort De sensed an overwhelming chill.