“Zhuang Fei is right. The future is uncertain, just like talking in a dream. But His Majesty holds me in deep affection, and I can’t help but have expectations. Maybe one day, when I fall out of favor, I will be as clear-headed and rational as Zhuang Fei, free from delusions.” Ning Wanyin spoke every word with great sincerity.
The whole palace was filled with silence.
Zhuang Fei was stunned for several breaths before she reacted. She pointed at Ning Wanyin in disbelief, “You said I fell out of favor! How dare you curse me!”
“Your Majesty, please calm down. I was talking about myself…” Ning Wanyin explained in a serious tone.
“You, you, you… You are clearly talking about me! You are making innuendos, you are speaking in a roundabout way, you…”
Zhuang Fei’s mind was full of words that popped out one after another. She was very angry.
Shu Fei almost wanted to laugh. Yes, Ning Wanyin was making insinuations and making indirect accusations, but she had praised the other party for her clarity and rationality, not a single mention of her fall from favor.
Zhuang Fei was good in every way, hitting anyone she pointed at, but she was simply unbeatable.
Never mind.
Anyway, the person who hated Ning Wanyin the most hadn’t come out yet. Someone would naturally take care of her.
Shu Fei smiled and tried to smooth things over, “Alright, alright, Zhuang Fei, you misheard. It’s getting late. We should go pay our respects to the Empress Dowager. Is there anyone else who hasn’t come today?”
“Xue Zhaoyi.” Fang Zhaoyi replied.
“Then there’s no need to wait. The Empress Dowager summoned Xue Zhaoyi early this morning. Let’s go.”
Everyone arrived at the Cining Palace and paid their respects to the Empress Dowager.
This was Ning Wanyin’s second visit to the Empress Dowager. Last time, Empress Dowager Xue hadn’t even remembered Ning Wanyin…
But this time, she had clearly seen Ning Wanyin’s portrait beforehand. She stared at her with a burning gaze, a forced smile on her face.
“Ning Meiren, how did you learn the proper etiquette for greeting? You’re so unsteady and unrefined. You’re the Emperor’s concubine. How can you possibly fail to behave properly? Kneel outside and reflect on your actions.”
Ning Wanyin’s manners were very thorough, and every move she made was perfect and impeccable.
The Empress Dowager was simply looking for an excuse to punish her.
Shu Fei and the others all looked at Ning Wanyin.
Just now, she faced Zhuang Fei’s provocation without fear and fought back.
She had also arrogantly refused to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, appearing to be spoiled by the favor.
This time, she was sure to clash with the Empress Dowager!
Many concubines who were watching the fun were gloating and waiting for a chaotic show.
But Ning Wanyin didn’t hesitate and politely said, “I accept the punishment.”
Then she withdrew from the Cining Palace and knelt outside the door.
Everyone was stunned. Ning Wanyin didn’t make a fuss?
Empress Dowager Xue was also stunned for a moment. She didn’t expect Ning Wanyin to be so obedient.
She had originally thought that after Ning Wanyin made a fuss, she would have enough excuse to punish her with a stick and vent her anger.
Ning Wanyin’s response of accepting everything made her punch like hitting cotton.
Empress Dowager Xue did not keep the concubines for too long, and soon, they all took their leave.
Every concubine saw Ning Wanyin kneeling at the door.
Most of them just stared at her quietly, with different expressions in their eyes, and didn’t say anything.
Only Zhuang Fei approached Ning Wanyin with a smug look on her face.
“Hmph, I’ve shown you how ignorant you are of etiquette. The Empress Dowager deserves to punish you.”
Ning Wanyin was lost in thought and ignored her.
Seeing that she ignored her, Zhuang Fei said dissatisfiedly, “I’m talking to you, how dare you ignore me?”
Ning Wanyin came back to her senses and looked up at her. Her dark eyes were as dark as the night, and no emotion could be seen.
“Please forgive me, Zhuang Fei. I am reflecting on my misconduct today and dare not be distracted. If you must speak to me, why not ask the Empress Dowager first? While I reflect on myself, may I have a casual conversation with you?”
Zhuang Fei choked again.
The Empress Dowager didn’t like her either, so why did she go and embarrass herself?
Hateful!
Even if she knelt, she couldn’t defeat her!
Zhuang Fei was angry and annoyed, but she couldn’t do anything about Ning Wanyin, so she could only leave in anger.
Seeing this, Song Meiren couldn’t help but think of herself being bullied by the Empress Dowager some time ago. She should have felt sympathy, but for some reason, she only felt a sense of anxiety at this moment.
Will His Majesty come to rescue her?
She hopes His Majesty will not come.
*****
Translator’s Comment:
What do you think?
Will His Majesty come?
Place your bet~
You can support your favorite novel by buying me a cup of Ko-fi ( ˘▽˘)っ♨
I will really appreciate it. ♥️♥️♥️
Meow meow On TPH Chapter 26.1