Han Guiren had just helped the Empress Dowager to the main seat, when Princess Consort De, clad in an orange-red palace dress, and Noble Lady Ying, wearing a blue interweave skirt, entered one after the other.
Princess Consort De and Noble Lady Ying paused upon seeing Han Guiren present.
"This concubine pays respects to the Empress Dowager. May the Empress Dowager’s fortune be boundless."
"You may rise." The Empress Dowager’s tone was gentle.
Han Guiren walked over with small steps, curtsied respectfully: "Greetings to Princess Consort De, greetings to Noble Lady Ying."
Though she and Noble Lady Ying were both Nobles, Noble Lady Ying had a title, so she could rightfully receive this courtesy.
"I didn’t expect to see Han Guiren here." Princess Consort De offered to help Han Guiren up with a shallow smile.
Before Han Guiren could respond, the Empress Dowager, seated on the main seat, said warmly, "Han Guiren is here to dine with me. These days, with Han Guiren’s company, I’ve been able to eat a few more bites."
Princess Consort De’s face remained unchanged upon hearing this, but there was a subtle shift in her eyes.
So, Han Guiren had already gained the Empress Dowager’s approval.
Princess Consort De pursed her lips, feeling something amiss, but with urgent matters to discuss with the Empress Dowager, she did not dwell on it.
She glanced at Han Guiren and said meaningfully, "Empress Dowager, today I heard something that left me restless, and I must inform you, my lady."
Han Guiren kept her head lowered and did not speak.
The Empress Dowager said warmly, "Go ahead, there are no outsiders here. Since Noble Lady Ying can hear it, then naturally Han Guiren can hear it as well."
Princess Consort De’s eyes flickered as she scrutinized Han Guiren as if seeing her for the first time.
Clad in a light green long skirt, its embroidery simple yet rare double-sided, the fabric of the long dress was exquisite, and her makeup was subtle. Even her chignon was simple and elegant, adorned only by a pure green jade hairpin, complemented by a pair of emerald earrings without any other ornaments.
But one must admit, amidst the harem’s concubines accustomed to dazzling attire, Han Guiren’s simple and high-class style was undeniably unique.
The Empress Dowager’s fondness for her was understandable, but...
Princess Consort De clutched her handkerchief tightly, doubting whether the Empress Dowager intended to cultivate Han Guiren.
How should she position herself then?
"Princess Consort De, please have some tea." Chen Jing brought up a tea bowl and personally offered it.
Princess Consort De came back to her senses, realizing all eyes in the room were on her when the Empress Dowager had asked a question during her distraction.
"Pardon me, Empress Dowager, the matter is indeed too significant. I brought Noble Lady Ying because she knows the whole story and can articulate it more thoroughly than I could. I mean no offense to Han Guiren."
"Sister, please don’t read too much into it." Princess Consort De first informed the Empress Dowager, then addressed Han Guiren with a voice as gentle as water.
Han Guiren hurriedly stood up and curtsied, "This concubine wouldn’t dare speculate further. If that’s the case..."
"This concubine will return to the palace first. The scriptures I’ve been helping the Empress Dowager organize these past two days are not yet fully copied. If I return now, they can be presented to the Empress Dowager tomorrow." She turned to the Empress Dowager, curtsying to take her leave.
The Empress Dowager smiled gently and nodded slowly.
Noble Lady Ying, having held back for long enough, finally got her chance. Kneeling before the Empress Dowager, she cried out sorrowfully, "Empress Dowager, this concubine has learned that the Emperor’s health has recently suffered damage, causing deep concern. But since the Emperor has not summoned the Imperial Physician, he surely does not want it publicized, so I can only appeal to the Empress Dowager."