Mei Fubai, the empress's niece

The sun bathed the garden in a golden glow, illuminating the serene beauty around them as Han Aeng and Ruyi strolled through the enchanting Chrysanthemum Garden.

The vibrant blooms and fragrant air did nothing to distract their attention from the two figures basking in the sunshine.

"Chenqie greets Empress and Noble Consort Rong."

With a regal and commanding presence, Zhu Yueying, the Empress, stood tall, exuding an aura that captivated all who beheld her. Her movements were deliberate yet graceful, her gaze steady and penetrating, displaying a pearl of wisdom and discernment from years of experience and understanding.

On the other hand, Noble Consort Rong exudes warmth and approachability, a playful, mischievous twinkle in her smile, mirroring her free-spirited nature and boundless energy.

This unique combination of Noble Consort Rong's easygoing stature and the Empress's innate sense of authority created a harmonious balance, commanding respect while remaining relatable to those in their presence.

Noble Consort Rong flashed a warm smile and extended her hand, seating Han Aeng beside her. "Come, join us. Did you enjoy your time with the children?"

Han Aeng settled in, feeling the garden embrace her with its soothing ambiance. The delicate fragrance of flowers mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea, enveloping her senses.

The round table, adorned with an intricately embroidered tablecloth, was set with delicate porcelain plates and cups embellished with golden accents. The snacks, an assortment of colourful pastries and fruits, were artfully arranged on elegant platters, enticing the eye and the palate.

"I had a delightful time with Haotian and Haoyue," Han Aeng shared. "We played games, read stories, and even had a small picnic. Their curiosity and energy were truly a pleasure to experience."

"How are you recovering," Empress Yi questioned, her voice commanding attention. Han Aeng even saw Ruyi, who waited with the other courtiers, instinctively straightening her postures. "I heard you fell ill saving Yue'er."

Han Aeng's interaction with Empress Dowager had assured her that the higher powers here had no intention of causing difficulty for her. Therefore, she felt more at ease when facing the Empress.

"Thanks to everyone's care and well wishes, Chenqie has recovered and is doing much better now," Han Aeng replied, her voice filled with gratitude and respect.

"Physician Gu recommended warmth and rest for her recovery," Noble Consort Rong explained, her hands arranging a plate of pastries before Han Aeng. "As it turns out, she was exhausted from the long journey. But I've been taking good care of her. She'll be better in no time."

Empress Yi nodded in acknowledgment. "That's great you've always loved playing doctor. Now you have a doll to play with."

"Don't call my daughter-in-law a doll. If you must call her a doll, call her a porcelain doll, I like those better!"

The Empress's expression remained stoic. It was uncertain whether she acknowledged the jest made by Noble Consort Rong, but there was no indication of outright rejection either.

The gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, carrying with it the delicate chirping of birds and adding a touch of liveliness to the serene setting.

Han Aeng took in her surroundings with glee; she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and contentment.

Running into two powerhouses of the palace with my mother-in-law to shield me, my lucky stars are shining on me!

However, the tranquillity was soon disrupted by a familiar voice calling, "Aunty!"

The sound was sharp and jarring, cutting through the peaceful ambience like a knife. Han Aeng's attention was drawn across the garden, where her gaze met with the Young Miss Mei Fubai.

I really can't catch a break, can I? Where did my lucky stars go?

"Bai'er," Empress Yi responded.

Once again, Han Aeng was thankful she had held her tongue in their previous encounter.

"You're here." Mei Fubai's voice dripped with disdain. It became clear that Han Aeng's presence alone was enough to elicit strong negative emotions. "Aunty, you should consider a manners teacher for the new consort."

The abrupt transition from the serene garden to Mei Fubai's presence was unsettling.

"An etiquette teacher?" Empress Yi reiterated, a delicate brow lifted.

"She clearly doesn't know how to conduct herself." Mei Fubai's disdain was evident on her face, her lips curling in contempt as she directed her scornful gaze at Han Aeng.

Han Aeng decided to come clean after realizing she wasn't getting away with things. "Chenqie got lost while exploring the palace and entered the young lady's room." Noticing the unmoved face of the Empress, she hastily added. "Of course, Chenqie made sure to sincerely apologize for intruding."

Mei Fubai moved closer to her Aunty, her narrowed eyes seemed to size up her rival, emanating a sense of superiority. "You think you can get away with things in the name of ignorance?"

Noble Consort Rong's hand instinctively reached for Han Aeng's, her knuckles turning pale. A furrow marred her brow, betraying the worry that danced across her face.

The corners of Han Aeng's lips quirked up.

Alright, if her mother-in-law was going to stand up for her, she would choose not to engage in a verbal confrontation. Instead, she'd feign ignorance and see how far this mother-in-law would protect her. "Did chenqie do something wrong?"

The atmosphere crackled with unspoken emotions as Empress Yi and Noble Consort Rong exchanged a brief glance of confusion.

Neither of them understood what Mei Fubai was upset about. Not only was Han Aeng new to the palace, but she had gone out of her way to apologize for intruding on someone of lower status. If anything, she had given Mei Fubai more respect than expected!

The Empress's stern countenance remained, silently observing the unfolding confrontation. She refrained from intervening, allowing Noble Consort Rong to address the situation.

"You aren't to be blamed for anything," Noble Consort Rong smiled kindly. "Even if you were, I don't blame you. You are yet to learn and adjust to life here, there's no way you are aware of the palace hierarchy."

"Thank you for your understanding," Han Aeng sighed with relief, placing her other hand over her mother-in-law. "Chenqie will definitely strive to learn and adapt quickly to the customs and expectations of the palace."

Mei Fubai's sneer transformed into a scowl as she clenched her fists. She could ignore Han Aeng's composure in the face of her disdain, but to overlook her as she spoke was an insult that fueled her anger further.

"You—" Mei Fubai snapped her head toward her aunt, silently pleading for her to put Han Aeng in her place.

However, Empress Yi remained silent; was she not going to stand up for her niece?

Actually, the Empress sensed Mei Fubai's desperation and what to speak but decided not to intervene. It was a conscious choice to ensure that she did not undermine Noble Consort Rong's authority or embarrass her by taking Mei Fubai's side.

A mischievous glint flickered in Han Aeng's eyes.

Of course, Han Aeng wasn't a forgiving person; in fact, she enjoyed harbouring grudges when dealing with these types of people.

Ha, I'll take advantage of Her Majesty's silence and mother-in-law's support with gratitude!

Han Aeng's expression shifted subtly as her eyes met Mei Fubai's. She wore a small, knowing smile that suggested she held a hidden advantage in their indirect confrontation.

"I must admit that I had mistakenly assumed a certain level of significance since you were residing in the palace. It appears I may have been hasty in my judgment," Han Aeng remarked with a hint of innocence, but to Mei Fubai, the implications were as clear as day. "I admit it's my short giving; I'll study hard to not put you in a hard place again, Mei Fubai."

The unmoved Empress's brow furrowed. She had lived in the palace long enough to recognize this manner of speech. 

"You think you're important? Ha, you don't deserve the attention and respect you're getting," Mei Fubai's temper finally boiled over, her voice dripping with contempt. "You're just a commoner who somehow found herself in the palace."

The four women fell silent.

The once gentle breeze that danced through the garden seemed to grow still as if holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.

Noble Consort Rong glanced between Han Aeng and the Empress. Her lips tightened in a silent struggle, torn between her loyalty and desire to maintain harmony.

She cleared her throat, desperately seeking to diffuse the mounting tension, as her voice wavered with a delicate balance between partiality and diplomacy. "Fubai. Han Aeng is no commoner; she hails from a respectable family and is now a member of the palace. You should treat her as such."

The Empress's eyes flickered with understanding, her brows knitting together in a brief moment of shared comprehension. Noble Consort Rong's lips curved into an apologetic smile, silently conveying her regret and desire for resolution.

Mei Fubai's defiance was evident in her posture and scowling expression, refusing to back down, even in the face of authority. "Respect? Why should I respect someone who doesn't even belong here? Respectable birth or commoner, she has no right to be called a consort."

The smile that once graced Han Aeng's lips faded. Her jaw tightened, and her back straightened, exuding a formidable presence that was unbefitting from the young consort.

Her aura exuded an unmistakable killing intent, the kind of invisible force that sent a shiver down the spine of those who dared to meet her gaze. Luckily, everyone's attention was on the sovereign, waiting for her to settle this mess.

The Empress's regal demeanour contrasting with the brewing storm within. "Hold your tongue Fubai. You will address Han Aeng with the respect she deserves. As a consort chosen by the Emperor, she holds a position of importance within the palace."

This was the Empress's sign to Mei Fubai to step down from her stage. The Emperor was a diety that couldn't be challenged what he said was final - no negotiations.

Yet, Mei Fubai's eyes narrowed into fiery slits, her clenched fists trembling with restrained fury. Her voice was laced with sarcasm. "Oh, so she's important just because the Emperor picked her? What about the rest of us who have been here serving the imperial family all this time?"

Noble Consort Rong exchanged a glance with the Empress, her voice held a hint of exasperation as she intervened. "Fubai, enough! Such disrespect is not tolerated in this palace."

Empress Yi pressed her fingers against her forehead. She took a moment to collect herself before speaking with unwavering authority. "Mei Fubai, I expect you to treat Han Aeng with the respect and dignity she deserves as a palace member. Dismiss yourself and reflect on your actions."

The authority in the Empress's voice left no room for negotiation; her piercing gaze had Mei Fubai involuntarily straightening her postures.

Mei Fubai's face flushed with embarrassment and rage, her pride injured by her aunt's command. She glared at Han Aeng once more before finally storming off, her footsteps echoing with frustration.

An uneasy calm settled over the garden, the underlying tensions simmering beneath the surface.

Noble Consort Rong sighed and smiled warmly at Han Aeng. "We apologize for Fubai's behaviour. Please don't let it bother you."

Empress Yi pressed her fingers against her forehead, "I hope you will overlook this incident for our sake. That child isn't like this usually."

Han Aeng offered a respectful nod, acknowledging her elder's words. "I must have upset her terribly. I'll make sure to be more mindful next time."

Empress Yi maintained her silence, confirming the evident disappointment for her niece's sake. 

Tsk. The confrontation had been untasteful, but it also revealed a glimpse of the nature of the empress's and Nobel Consort Rong's relationship.

Their silent understanding and the Empress's decision to withhold intervention demonstrated her trust in Noble Consort Rong's ability to handle the situation herself. It showcased their harmonious balance, where Empress Yi allowed Noble Consort Rong to take the lead while providing support and guidance when necessary. This incident was a testament to how they maintained order and respect within the palace.