Transmigration: Reverse Exploitation, the System Works for Me

When Lulu returned after dropping off Xiao Lezi, she saw Consort Zhao holding a delicate and intricate gold-plated kingfisher feather ornament, completely absorbed in it.

The Huasheng is shaped like a magpie perched on a branch, with an overall oval shape and a ring of tiny, fiery red gemstones inlaid on the outermost layer.

In the center are three red plum blossoms arranged in a triangular shape, with the petals inlaid with polished rubies. On each side of the plum blossoms, diagonally above, is a delicate magpie adorned with kingfisher feathers.

In addition, a cluster of kingfisher flowers with kingfisher feather decorations is interspersed among the golden plum blossom branches, and two emerald green jade leaves are cleverly inlaid at the bottom of the flower.

Regardless of the craftsmanship and materials, this Huasheng amulet is excellent in its symbolism alone, embodying joy, good things coming in pairs, wealth and honor, and longevity.

This is a drawing that the Imperial Household Department asked Consort Zhuang to make when she was six months pregnant and had just been diagnosed with a prince.

Upon learning that this was a congratulatory gift prepared by the head of the Imperial Household Department for Consort Zhuang, to be presented when she gave birth to the imperial heir and was promoted to the rank of Consort, she spent three whole days conceiving the design before finally creating the painting.

"My lord, is there something wrong with this Hua Sheng coin?"

Lulu stepped forward and asked softly. She didn't know anything about the story behind the Huasheng, but she thought there was something wrong with it.

Consort Zhao shook her head and then nodded, looking at the Huasheng in her hand with affection, gently stroking the ruby ​​on it with one fingertip: "There is nothing wrong with it in itself, but it is not something I can wear."

This is jewelry in the style of a concubine; when she originally drew the design, she defined it according to the rank of a concubine.

Lulu breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the item itself wasn't defective, it was fine. Although they had a relationship with Consort Zhuang, they were, after all, imperial concubines, and were naturally potential adversaries.

If Consort Zhuang shows hostility towards the young lady, then she naturally cannot continue to be on good terms with Eunuch Le.

Lulu smiled easily and said, "Then this servant will help you put it away first, Your Highness? The Emperor dotes on you and granted you the rank of Consort long ago. The New Year is less than a month away, and you will be able to wear it at the palace banquet."

The emperor had personally told Consort Zhao that she would be forced to remain a consort for a while, and that he would issue an edict to promote her to the rank of concubine before the end of the year.

Consort Zhao gave Lulu a reproachful look. "Don't bother with that for now. Let them tidy up. When more people come to deliver rewards, let Pearl go and receive them. You stay here and keep me company."

As she spoke, she glanced at Pearl, who had entered at some point. Although this person's surname wasn't Juechan, she was definitely a spy for Juechan's family.

Pearl obeyed the order and stepped forward to take Hua Sheng from her hand.

Consort Zhao gave a soft hum at Lulu's retreating figure and pointed to the footstool on the heated kang: "Sit down and rest. I've had some ginger soup made. Drink some later. Don't catch a cold."

Today they moved to a new palace, and the palace maids waded through the snow from the Hall of Mental Cultivation through the Eastern Six Palaces to the Yonghe Palace.

She doesn't care about others because none of them are loyal to her, but Lulu is different. She's both a good friend and a confidante, so naturally she has to protect her in every way.

Lulu and she had known each other since childhood and had a deep bond. She knew Lulu's character and virtue better than anyone and would never betray her.

Lulu pursed her lips uneasy. After sitting down on the footstool, she looked up at Consort Zhao hesitantly, "Your Highness, behind Pearl is the clan. If we do this, the clan..."

Before Lulu could finish speaking, Consort Zhao scoffed and asserted, "They wouldn't dare!"

She was initially granted the title of Noble Lady, and the Emperor personally promised to promote her to Consort Zhao before the New Year. With such great favor, her clan wished they could elevate her to the highest rank.

But she was bound by ropes imposed by her tribe, and no matter how high or far she flew, she could not escape their control.

Lulu had also heard the words that the clan had sent in, which were all about the young master's parents, brothers and sisters, and the implied coercion was obvious.

"Please don't take it to heart, my lady. As long as you are favored, the clan will not dare to do anything to the master and mistress."

Consort Zhao lowered her eyes. Not caring? How could she not care?

She was clearly in the prime of her life, but due to the machinations of her clan, she was forced to struggle in the deep palace.

The emperor's favor is fleeting; it will eventually dissipate.

Hasn't Consort Hua of Yikun Palace ever been favored? Now she too is relegated to obscurity within these high walls.

Consort Zhen of Suiyu Pavilion was once a favored concubine who dominated the harem, but now her child has been given away to another concubine for adoption.

What's the use of being favored?

They were bound to fall out of favor sooner or later.

She is currently favored by the emperor, so her parents, siblings and other relatives are naturally safe. But what if she falls out of favor in the future?

The clan is driven by self-interest and would not support a disgraced concubine who brings them no benefit.

I'm afraid that she will become a tool of the clan, used to persecute the rivals of the prince they support.

"Alright, let's not talk about such unpleasant things anymore," Consort Zhao smiled at Lulu. "Lulu, you've also met the people from Zhongcui Palace. What do you think of them?"

Actually, she wanted to ask about Consort Zhuang, but Lulu couldn't get in touch with her, so she had to settle for second best.

Lulu pondered for a moment, but did not speak directly. Instead, she mentioned her connection with Zhongcui Palace: "Before the mistress transferred me to serve her, I was summoned to Zhongcui Palace three times."

"The first time was when Eunuch Le came to the cat and dog room and specifically asked me to bring a puppy to Zhongcui Palace for Consort Zhuang to amuse. Consort Zhuang was kind and approachable, and even held Yuzhu in her arms, petted her, and fed her."

Although Lulu wasn't familiar with Consort Zhuang, someone who showed love and patience to a half-grown puppy couldn't be too bad in temperament or character.

Moreover, after meeting Consort Zhuang, she realized that she had actually seen her before.

At that time, she had just entered the palace and was assigned to work in the cat and dog room. She was beautiful, innocent and straightforward, and generous. She often treated people to small snacks such as melon seeds, peanuts and fried pork skin, and was very popular.

They are also very fond of and tolerant of cats and dogs. Even if their new clothes or shoes are scratched or torn by naughty cats and dogs, they will not get angry, but will just pretend to scold them sternly.

He treats cats and dogs like children, with great patience, and occasionally uses his monthly allowance to buy strips of cloth to make toys for them.

Lulu had met many people in the cat and dog room, and she could tell whether they genuinely liked cats and dogs or were just going through the motions.

She didn't know much about Consort Zhuang, but she knew that Yingying, the young palace maid who had just entered the palace, genuinely liked these little ones.

These thoughts flashed through her mind, and Lulu continued:

"The second time was when I had just received my monthly allowance, and the head maid tried to embezzle it again. Just then, Eunuch Le came to the cat and dog room and asked me to take Yuzhu to Zhongcui Palace. Afterwards, Eunuch Le told me frankly that he was entrusted by you to take special care of me."

"After this incident, Eunuch Le would visit the cat and dog room whenever he had free time. Once the people in the cat and dog room knew that I knew the head eunuch of Zhongcui Palace, they dared not bully me anymore."

Therefore, she was truly grateful to Xiao Lezi for his help and for his honesty, which made her realize that her best friend from childhood had always cared about her.