Cold-faced Empress

The main hall of Shun'an Palace fell silent for a moment. Although people had heard that the prime minister's eldest daughter was exceptionally beautiful, a beauty that could be described as unparalleled, no one could truly appreciate it before seeing her in person.

Her dark taupe pleated skirt lowered people's expectations, but the moment she looked up, it became the most striking contrast.

In the silence, Fu Siying slightly raised her eyes, then quickly lowered them again, breaking the tranquility of the hall with her lively expression.

One of the concubines, dressed in simple palace attire and seated to the Empress Dowager's left, exclaimed, "Truly, her reputation is well-deserved; there really is such a celestial maiden in this world."

Clearly, this was a woman of extremely high rank as a concubine. The words drew praise from the entire hall. Furthermore, since Fu Siying was already the chosen Princess Consort of Mu, the other concubines felt no threat, and countless compliments flooded towards her like a tidal wave.

Fu Siying remained unmoved by the countless praises, which made the Empress Dowager find her even more pleasing to the eye. She carefully examined Fu Siying and said, "Indeed, she is beautiful and a perfect match for Prince Mu. No wonder the Emperor suddenly chose the girl from the Fu family."

The fact that the Empress Dowager could call Fu Siying "girl" so affectionately so quickly shows her satisfaction and fondness for her.

However, as the praise subsided, a dismissive, mocking voice suddenly rang out.

"In my opinion, she is nothing special, not even a tenth as good as Consort Mei."

Consort Mei, who was the first to praise Fu Siying, frowned slightly and looked at Consort De, whose tone was not good, and replied indifferently, "My sister and I are very close, so naturally she finds me more pleasing to the eye."

Consort De chuckled: "Sister, there's no need to be modest. Ask away, who dares to say you're inferior to this little girl?"

"You're too kind, sister."

Consort Mei said no more. Anyone could see that Consort De wasn't picking on Consort Mei, but rather using her to target Fu Siying!

Although Consort Mei had goodwill towards Fu Siying upon their first meeting, she would not be happy to be used as a pawn by Consort De.

With Consort De's interruption, people's amazement at Fu Siying was instantly diminished.

Despite the words of the two high-ranking concubines, Fu Siying remained unmoved, neither delighted by the praise nor annoyed by the disdain.

The Empress Dowager said with a kind smile, "Consort Mei is outstanding, and the girl from the Fu family is also remarkable. You are both good. From now on, you will be sisters-in-law, which is a blessing."

Upon hearing this, Fu Siying raised her eyes and met the gaze of Consort Mei, who was looking over.

"Your Majesty is too kind. I have heard many times outside the palace about Consort Mei’s virtuous and gentle character. She is a model for women. I will follow her example and wish to be as kind and gentle as Consort Mei."

This flattery undoubtedly pleased Consort Mei greatly.

“Siying, is that right? She’s such a lovable and obedient girl,” Consort Mei turned to the Empress Dowager. “It’s a wonderful thing for the Empress Dowager to have such a daughter-in-law.”

The Empress Dowager's smile was radiant.

Consort De gave a cold laugh: "She's eloquent and will surely be able to please the Empress Dowager in the future."

Among so many concubines in the palace, Fu Siying singled out Consort Mei as a "model of women," completely ignoring Consort De. This was clearly because Consort De had chosen to be close to Consort Mei after their brief conversation.

This made Consort De, who already harbored ill intentions towards Fu Siying, even more displeased.

However, since this was in the Empress Dowager's palace, Consort De didn't cause any trouble. In her eyes, Fu Siying's reputation was already ruined after the palace banquet.

The Empress Dowager bestowed a jade bracelet upon Fu Siying and said with great affection, "Look at you, my girl, you are at such a young age, yet you dress so simply and plainly. It is good that you are diligent and dignified, but you must not waste your prime years. Wear this jade bracelet for now, and when I have time, I will choose a few more pieces of jewelry that match your beauty to reward you."