"Pfft-"
The dignified, virtuous Empress choked on her tea.
The beautiful, serene Consort Yan laughed so hard she could not close her mouth.
The other three consorts and one concubine shook with laughter like blossoms trembling on their branches.
The Empress Dowager watched them, anxiety rising in her heart.
What juicy gossip had they heard now?
Couldn't they wait for me?!
Fortunately, with so many princes and princesses present, things were rather chaotic, and no one noticed the unusual commotion among the imperial consorts.
After offering her New Year's greetings, Commandery Princess Jiarou spotted Jian Ruonan and secretly winked at her: don't leave later. Let's have some fun together.
Jian Ruonan made an OK sign with her hand.
Once the princes and princesses finished offering their greetings, the consorts rose again and had the palace maids move their chairs back into place.
Consort Liang signaled to a palace maid, telling her to put Jian Ruonan's chair beside hers.
Not to be outdone, Consort Yan also had a maid move her chair over.
Seeing the consorts nearly come to blows over the prime spot beside Jian Ruonan, the Empress Dowager ordered, "Move Miss Ruonan's chair in front of me."
The Empress Dowager lifted her Ru Kiln teacup and took a small sip.
The gossip-hungry consorts: "..."
Hah, old ginger really was the spiciest!
The closer one sat to the Empress Dowager, the greater her favor.
Jian Ruonan was a little bewildered.
How had she suddenly won favor out of nowhere?
Sitting off to the side earlier, she could sneak a few pastries. Now that she was in the middle, she had to mind her deportment every moment.
Jian Ruonan was a little unhappy.
Auntie Yishuang noticed and quickly moved the plate of pastries over to her. "Miss Ruonan, it doesn't matter