Nan Zhyun's eyes faintly swept over Consort Xian, "I haven't seen you visit either? Is it truly that difficult to visit? Isn't the threshold to the Hall of Peace quite low? If Consort Xian cannot enter, perhaps you should ask the Imperial Household Department if they built the threshold too high when it was constructed."
Consort Xian had not expected Nan Zhyun to retort like this. Nan Zhyun, in the past, had always been subservient. Now she was arguing with her?
However, before Consort Xian could say anything, they heard the Noble Consort speak, "Enough, Consort Xian. You always have to argue. Haven't you learned from previous incidents? Let the new arrivals enter. You should quiet down."
Consort Xian sullenly shut her mouth. The new arrivals had been waiting at the door. Upon hearing the summons, they followed someone into the hall. "Greetings to all the consorts." Everyone knelt on the floor.
"Rise," the Noble Consort said, raising her hand slightly. Those below stood up, but they were not yet permitted to be seated.
"Since my sisters have all entered the palace, you are now family. I hope that in the days to come, you will be self-disciplined and diligent, adhere to palace rules, conduct yourselves properly, and avoid arrogance and impatience. Live in harmony with each other, serve His Majesty well, and strive to give birth to imperial heirs as soon as possible." Yan Qing straightened her posture and spoke to the newcomers below.
"We respectfully heed the Noble Consort's teachings." They responded in a seemly manner.
"Very well, it is getting late. I will lead you to pay respects to the Empress Dowager." Yan Qing said, and then led them to the Palace of Benevolent Peace.
"Your Majesty, the Noble Consort has brought the consorts and new arrivals to pay their respects." An Xin walked in.
"Summon them in." The Empress Dowager seemed to be in good spirits today.
"Yes." An Xin withdrew and called those outside in. The Noble Consort, with the newcomers, began their greetings.
"Yun'er, come here." The Empress Dowager, as usual, showed favoritism towards Nan Zhyun. Nan Zhyun, naturally, sat beside the Empress Dowager.
"Yun'er pays her respects to the Empress Dowager." Nan Zhyun also smiled at the Empress Dowager.
"Peace, peace, peace. With Yun'er here, everything is at peace with me." The Empress Dowager said with a smile, then looked at those still kneeling below and said, "All rise. An Xin, grant them seats."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The Noble Consort led them to rise and then sit in their respective places according to their ranks.
"Since you have entered the palace, you must be clear about what you should and should not do. If I discover that you have done anything improper, I will not forgive you lightly." The Empress Dowager also offered a few perfunctory words.
"Yes, we respectfully heed the Empress Dowager's teachings." The newcomers replied.
"The Noble Consort now holds the phoenix seal and manages the six palaces. You must fulfill your responsibilities and properly restrain the words and actions of those below." The Empress Dowager looked at Yan Qing, who responded with a "Yes."
Consort De, who was usually bold, was also incredibly quiet at this moment. However, she couldn't be blamed. The Empress Dowager's aura was too formidable.
After saying these words, the Empress Dowager looked towards the newcomers.
"Does Consort Bai find it to her liking?" The Empress Dowager directly addressed Bai Yu Sheng. It was the same at the Lantern Festival banquet. It seemed the Empress Dowager was quite fond of Bai Yu Sheng.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. This concubine is doing well in all aspects." Bai Yu Sheng appeared gentle and charming, respectful and polite, truly endearing.
"That is good. If there is anything in the palace you find difficult to adjust to, simply inform the Imperial Household Department. Do not wrong yourselves." The Empress Dowager added. Bai Yu Sheng felt somewhat overwhelmed by this favor.