Chapter 6: Discussion

Facing Maid Wang's reminder, Mrs. Zhao ignored it, her cheerful demeanor changing slightly, clearly showing her dissatisfaction.

But this old lady was sent by the Empress Dowager, so she couldn't control her. Instead, she could be bossed around by this old woman.

"I heard that the Princess Consort lost her mother at a young age, and she's quite troublesome. I'm rather worried," a delicate voice rang out, dragging everyone's attention to her.

Concubine Zhang was beautiful, her frail beauty made one feel protective. She was clutching a silk handkerchief in her slender hands, placing her hands over her chest like she'd been scared.

This act seemed to please Zhao Shuang'er, as the Princess Consort hadn't even appeared yet and people were already showing their dissatisfaction.

This would surely help to solidify her own position within the Prince Manor.

At this moment, Concubine Yang comforted the frightened Concubine Zhang, saying, "Little sister, fear not. With Sister Concubine at our side, the Princess Consort will not dare to cause us any trouble."

This was none other than elevated praise of the side consort over the Princess Consort, as the side consort was not only the intimate niece of the Empress Dowager, but also the daughter of the Grand Commandant, giving her an inherently noble status.

Mrs. Yang finished speaking and promptly turned her gaze towards Zhao Shuang'er, "Isn't that right, Sister Concubine?"

"Naturally." Zhao Shuang'er nodded slightly, her demeanor exuding an unquestionable authority.

Concubine Li, who hadn't said anything till now, was peering impatiently at the folding screen.

As she continued to glare angrily, she asked, "Sister Concubine, has the Princess Consort not yet risen? It's already past the time for morning greetings."

Hearing this, Zhao Shuang'er furrowed her brows. Indeed, it was past the scheduled time.

At this moment, Concubine Zhang joked lightheartedly, "Could it be that the Prince exhausted the Princess Consort last night?"

These words were like pouring oil on fire, Zhao Shuang'er's facial expression changed immediately, she declared outright: "Dear sisters, you may all return now. No need for morning greetings today."

Not paying their respects was a minor issue, but today happened to be the day they were meant to present tea to the new Princess Consort.

If everyone were to leave, this would be a slap in the face for the new Princess Consort.

The concubines looked at each other in shock. They had all been sent by the Empress Dowager, and they held a lower status. They wouldn't dare to take such blatant action directly against the established customs.

Just then, a maid dressed in greenish-blue walked out from behind the folding screen – it was Xuemei.

She bowed to the crowd, stating, "The Princess Consort will be here shortly."

Hearing these words, the concubines quickly settled into their seats. Only Zhao Shuang'er remained haughty, clearly disregarding Xuemei's announcements.

"That definitely made the Princess Consort wait."

Zhao Shuang'er's words carried an unmistakable hint of sarcasm. Xuemei had just come out to remind everyone to refresh themselves and to wait a little longer for the arrival of the Princess Consort.

Zhao Shuang'er was ignored by Xuemei, who simply offered a courteous bow before retreating.

"Your Highness, you don't know, Zhao Shuang'er refers to herself as 'the Princess Consort,' and even dared to criticize Your Highness for making her wait," Xuemei explained in detail.

Seeing the look on Xuemei's face, Lin Jiaojiao could not help but laugh, adding as she walked, "The side consort is also a consort. You always take things too seriously."

"But…" Xuemei stammered. While Zhao Shuang'er's self-proclaimed title wasn't technically wrong, her speech certainly did reveal her arrogance.

"Your Highness, Zhao Shuang is arrogant because she has the Empress Dowager as her backing, and she clearly has no respect for you, Your Highness."

Lin Jiaojiao suddenly halted her steps and looked at Xuemei who was burning with injustice on her behalf, laughing lightly she said "Alright then, there's really no need for us to quarrel with her."

As it stood, Zhao Shuang'er was like a rock in a cesspit: smelly and stubborn.

Before making a move, one had to consider the Empress Dowager.

However, as far as she knew, Zhao Shuang'er was not compliant by nature. During her time in the Grand commandant Manor, she frequently abused the maids and incidents had only been suppressed by the Grand Commandant himself.