Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

Suochuoluo's heart tightened. "There's no need for formalities between us. Sister, just speak your mind."

"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness." Xi Qiao bowed and leaned closer to her, saying softly, "Your Highness must always remember that you came from the side of the Empress Dowager. The Empress holds the Phoenix Seal and is the Empress, while Consort Hua comes from a distinguished family and assists in managing the six palaces. Your Highness cannot afford to offend any of them."

Suochuoluo's pupils contracted. She had actually considered siding with Consort Hua. Although neither the Empress nor Consort Hua had children, the Empress had Consort Qi and her son, and Consort Cao's pregnancy had already been diagnosed as a princess. If her pregnancy were to result in a prince, Consort Hua might very well have her own ideas.

But what Chunrong just said...

"Thank you for reminding me, sister." A fine layer of cold sweat beaded on Suochuoluo's back. The Empress Dowager was the Empress's aunt, and the most esteemed person in the palace was undoubtedly the Empress Dowager. If she dared to side with Consort Hua, she would offend both the Empress and the Empress Dowager.

Xi Qiao smiled faintly, "Your Highness is always intelligent, but you are just too close to the situation to see clearly. I'm afraid the Empress Dowager has something to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

Emerging from Chunxi Palace, Xi Qiao carried a light, thin purse. As she walked along the palace path, she carefully composed herself before slowly entering Shou Kang Palace.

As soon as she entered the palace, the maids and eunuchs all looked at her with strange eyes. Xi Qiao frowned and continued to walk into the main hall. When she reached the corridor, she met Chunmao carrying a wooden box.

“Chunrong…” Chunmao hesitated, but finally gritted her teeth and told her, “Yingying has been appointed as an official lady and has gone to serve in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.”

Xi Qiao pinched herself hard under her sleeve, her face contorting in pain. She quickly composed herself, her eyes widening in disbelief. "W-what did you say?"

Chunmao couldn't bear to look at the tears welling up in her eyes, so she looked away and sighed, "Just now, after you sent Consort Suochuoluo back, Xuetuan ran into the main hall to look for the Empress. Yingying, unaware that the Emperor was there, barged in as usual."

The palace maids in Shou Kang Palace were used to Xue Tuan and Yu Ying'er running and jumping around the palace. Only after the two rushed in did they remember that the emperor was still inside, but it was too late.

"The Emperor did not punish her, but instead praised her for her innocent nature. He immediately asked the Empress to send her to serve in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and said that he would not let Yingying's youth be wasted, so he made her an official lady."

Upon hearing this, Xi Qiao's body swayed precariously, tears welling up in his eyes. If it weren't for the rules, he probably would have already burst into tears.

"You...don't be sad, the Emperor...the Emperor loves Yingying."

Chunmao knew she had no intention of helping her younger sister climb the social ladder, and Yu Ying'er had behaved herself well during her two weeks at Shou Kang Palace. But things had come to this, and all one could do was sigh at the cruel twist of fate.

Chunzi waited five years before finally being chosen to serve the emperor, while Yu Ying'er, who did not want to become a concubine, was instead made a palace maid.

Xi Qiao steadied himself and forced a stiff, awkward smile at her. Just as he was about to say something, Sun Zhuxi came out of the hall.

Seeing Xi Qiao's watery, red eyes and pale, lifeless face, I felt a little relieved. It seemed that Chun Rong really didn't have any inappropriate thoughts.

"Chunrong, the Empress is looking for you."

Xi Qiao knew that the greatest test had come. She walked in absentmindedly, knelt down in front of the Empress Dowager who was lying on the kang, her forehead hitting the marble floor tiles heavily. Her shoulders trembled slightly and her voice was choked with sobs, "This servant is guilty, please punish me, Your Majesty."

The Empress Dowager looked at her trusted confidant kneeling and kowtowing before her. Guilty? What crime?

When Yu Ying was chasing after the snowballs and playing around, Chun Rong was about to scold and stop her, but she stopped Chun Rong.

This Shou Kang Palace is too quiet and desolate; it would be more lively with more laughter and playfulness.

When Lady Suochuoluo became pregnant, it was she who ordered the contraceptive soup to be stopped; when the emperor came, it was she who sent someone to invite him to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

If anyone is truly at fault, it seems to be her.