The next morning
All the concubines went to Yunpeng Hall, where the list of attendees for the spring hunt would be announced. Nan Zhiyun also got up early, which was a rare occasion.
"Consort Chenshu arrives!" After the announcement from outside, everyone inside fell silent, seemingly surprised by Nan Zhiyun's presence.
"Greetings to Consort Chenshu!" some of the lower-ranked concubines quickly curtsied. Most of them were unaware of this consort's temperament and did not wish to cause trouble.
"Get up," Nan Zhiyun replied dismissively, still groggy. She sat down in her designated spot, as Yan Qing had not yet appeared.
"Consort Shu is truly a rare visitor today," Consort De glanced at her.
"You don't have to come if you don't want to, no one is forcing you," Nan Zhiyun retorted. Consort De was about to retort when Yan Qing emerged at that moment.
"Consort De is quick-witted, Consort Shu need not pay her any mind," Yan Qing said as she was helped to her seat. Nan Zhiyun offered no response.
"Consort De is indeed quick-witted, speaking without thinking. Imperial Consort Gui is truly partial to Consort De," Consort Xian chuckled, seemingly in jest.
"You're no match for me. Do you think you're thinking now when you say that, you fool!" Consort De was not one to be appeased.
"Consort De, what do you mean!" Consort Xian became agitated again.
"Don't you understand? Not only are your brains faulty, but your ears are as well? I called you foolish, how many times do I need to say it for you to hear?" Consort De rolled her eyes at her.
"You bitch..." Before Consort Xian could finish her sentence, she heard Yan Qing above clap her hands on the table.
"Enough! Have you all forgotten your statuses? Arguing like common market fishwives, have you no dignity left? Consort Xian, you've been punished so many times, haven't you learned?" Yan Qing looked at Consort Xian. Consort Xian, unYielding, retorted, "Is Imperial Consort Gui only speaking of me? Has Consort De committed no faults?" Consort Xian questioned.
"You stir up trouble and then complain when it affects you. The source is yourself, am I not allowed to say a few words?" Yan Qing looked at her coldly, her eyes conveying a warning. Though Consort Xian was unhappy, she dared not say anything further and could only accept the rebuke.
"The list of attendees for this spring hunt has been decided. Consort Shu, Consort Yuan, Consort Xian, Consort Rong Chongyuan. The newcomers are Consort Bai Jieyu, Imperial Attendant Jing, Lady Su Baolin, and Lady Zhou Baolin," Yan Qing announced. This list was drafted by her. Yu Jingchen had only mentioned that Nan Zhiyun would accompany them and had not asked for details.
"Consort Bai Jieyu is truly favored, it seems she has captured His Majesty's heart. However, I notice Consort Bai Jieyu's complexion is not good. Has she not rested well, or is she tired?" Yu Yan remarked sarcastically.
Hearing Consort Bai Jieyu's name, everyone was reminded that this consort had been enjoying considerable favor recently, much to the envy of many. Yan Qing picked up a cup of tea and sipped it slowly, showing no intention of speaking. Since His Majesty intended to elevate Bai Yusheng, she naturally had to go along with it...
"It's merely a stroke of good luck. By rights, Imperial Attendant Jing might have been chosen yesterday, but His Majesty did not visit," Bai Yusheng's words were subtle. Those with keen eyes understood that Consort Bai Jieyu was not one to be content.
Everyone knew where His Majesty had gone yesterday. How could Yu Yan not hold a grudge after Bai Yusheng's remark? Given Yu Yan's temperament, Bai Yusheng had indeed managed to exploit her weakness.