An Lingrong is reborn to live for herself.

When An Lingrong and Fucha Yilan entered the warm pavilion, Consort Hua was chatting and laughing with the Empress Dowager.

Upon seeing this, the two hurriedly greeted the Empress Dowager and Consort Hua.

The Empress Dowager seemed to be in a good mood, perhaps amused by something Consort Hua had just said. Seeing An Lingrong and Fucha Yilan enter and pay their respects, she smiled and beckoned to them, saying, "It's just casual conversation, no need for formalities." She then gestured for Zhu Xi to sit down.

Consort Hua sat down to one side. When she saw the two men enter, she looked arrogant. Although she was still smiling, she did not look at them directly.

Although An Lingrong had never actually crossed paths with Consort Hua, she knew of Consort Hua's ruthless methods in managing the harem. In addition, there were still many unresolved matters, so she was still somewhat intimidated when she met Consort Hua.

When Fucha Yilan first met Consort Hua, she seemed extremely curious and did not hold back at all. She just looked at Consort Hua with a smile, which made even the usually proud Consort Hua feel a little uncomfortable.

Seeing An Lingrong and Fucha Yilan sit down, the Empress Dowager put down the medicine bowl in her hand. The brown medicine soup swayed slowly as the bowl fell onto the small table, and wisps of steam slowly rose from it.

The medicine had a bitter and pungent smell, and An Lingrong couldn't help but cough lightly.

Consort Hua, with her sharp eyes, noticed that the Empress Dowager had put down the medicine bowl and knew that the Empress Dowager disliked the bitter taste in her mouth. She quickly whispered to Songzhi to go out and fetch some candied fruit.

The Empress Dowager observed this, her eyes filled with a kind smile. "Look, Shilan, you've met Consort An before. This one you haven't met is the second young lady of the Fucha family, Fucha Yilan."

The Empress Dowager addressed Consort Hua so affectionately, which stirred something within An Lingrong. Had the Empress Dowager ever addressed the Empress so intimately? Was she truly favoring Consort Hua, or was she intentionally trying to save face for Consort Hua in front of others?

Consort Hua, with her long, arched eyebrows, glanced at Fucha Yilan and said with a smile, "Empress Dowager, even if you don't say it, Shilan is guessing it too. Miss Yilan is pretty and has a dignified demeanor. She is clearly a lady from a prominent family."

A closer look reveals a resemblance to the former Consort Fucha, but with an added touch of spiritedness, making her instantly likable. The Emperor would surely be very impressed with Miss Yilan.

The Empress Dowager nodded, “It is true that the Fucha family has always produced beauties.” As if lost in thought, she said, “Yilan’s grandmother was my close friend. Even among men, she would surely be more talented than many men.” After saying this, she looked up at Fucha Yilan with a loving expression, “Yilan, the first time I met her, I felt that she looked just like your grandmother when she was young.”

Fucha Yilan nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you for your kindness, Empress Dowager. If my grandmother were here, she would be very happy to receive such praise for her talent." As she spoke, her expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, my grandmother was not blessed with good fortune. She passed away when I was very young."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager sighed deeply, a self-deprecating smile appearing on her lips. "Those who left early may not necessarily have been unfortunate. Perhaps it was because you all put her at ease that she was able to depart peacefully. Perhaps I am not fortunate enough to see these old people again."

Consort Hua, observing the situation, quickly smiled and said, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? What woman in the world is as fortunate as you? Why don't you take your medicine first? They say good medicine tastes bitter. For your health, His Majesty specifically instructed the Imperial Hospital to report immediately if you need anything, and not to delay. Please don't let us, your juniors, down the goodwill." As she spoke, she glanced at Songzhi, who had just returned, and Songzhi immediately handed her a delicately carved, palm-sized food box.

Consort Hua's slender fingers pulled open the lid of the food box, and a fragrant aroma of fruit wafted out.

"Your Majesty, these are candied fruits that my brother sent back from Guizhou by fast horse. Please try them; one bite will surely wipe away all the bitterness in your mouth."

The Empress Dowager looked at it, shook her head and laughed, "You and the Emperor both treat me like a child." As she spoke, she had Zhu Xi serve her and she drank most of the whole bowl of medicine soup. Finally, she couldn't stand the bitter taste in her mouth and shook her head, telling Zhu Xi to take the medicine away.

Consort Hua smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please try this."

A young palace maid took the medicine bowl from Zhu Xi's hands, and Zhu Xi freed her hands to take the box of candied fruit presented by Consort Hua and handed it to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager picked up a candied fruit and placed it in her hand. Perhaps for easier eating, the fruit had been cut into small pieces the size of a fingernail. It was impossible to tell what kind of fruit the candied fruit was made of. The fruit was covered with a fine, milky-white sugar frosting and had a refreshing fragrance.

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes and took a light sniff. "This candied fruit is quite exquisite. It uses white peony root, codonopsis root, and dried grass, and has a faint herbal fragrance. I can't guess what it is."

Seeing that the Empress Dowager couldn't guess, Consort Hua smiled even more beautifully. "As expected, nothing can escape your notice, Your Majesty. The imperial physician said that your spleen and stomach are weak, so I specially had someone add some ingredients that promote saliva production and strengthen the spleen, and then stir-fry them into the sugar frosting." As Consort Hua spoke, she observed the Empress Dowager's expression. Seeing the Empress Dowager nod with interest, she continued, "However, these are not difficult to obtain. What is rare is this fruit. Everyone says that Guizhou is a barbarian land, but they don't know that the Miao people of Guizhou are the longest-lived. There are often centenarians in Miao villages. My brother went traveling there recently and discovered that the Miao people have a medicinal herb called silk reeling flower, whose fruit is called prickly pear. When it is ripe, it can be used as medicine, and when it is young, it can be made into candied fruit. Not only is it delicious, but it can also relieve depression and prolong life. So my brother specially asked an old Miao person to make some. Just in case there was anything wrong, my brother used it for a few days before having it sent over. After it arrived, I was still not at ease, so in addition to having someone check it, I also tasted it myself for a few days. Indeed, I felt there was nothing wrong with it, so I specially had it brought over."

The Empress Dowager nodded, her eyes showing even more affection as she looked at Consort Hua. "Consort Hua is very kind. Please also thank General Nian for his kindness on my behalf."

Seeing that the Empress Dowager was pleased, Consort Hua seemed extremely pleased as well. She lowered her head and smiled, saying, "Your Majesty, what are you saying? Being filial to you is what my brother and I should do. As long as you are healthy, we juniors will be happy."

As she spoke, Consort Hua glanced at Fucha Yilan, who was sitting to the side, her eyes revealing a hint of smugness.

Fucha Yilan seemed oblivious and smiled, "Although I am shallow, I have long heard that our Emperor advocates governing the world with propriety and righteousness. Now that I have entered the palace, I see that the Emperor, the Empress and Consort Hua serve you so diligently. Their filial piety is evident. They are indeed role models for the people of Daqing."

Upon hearing this, Consort Hua's smile immediately faded.

Consort Hua was not the type to be subservient. Although her filial piety towards the Empress Dowager was not entirely sincere, her affection for the Empress Dowager extended to everything related to her. Out of consideration for the Emperor, Consort Hua was always generous to the Empress Dowager. No matter what the Empress Dowager lacked, she would always find ways to personally send her things, whether it was food or other necessities, even if the Empress Dowager's palace had nothing to lack.

Consort Hua's actions were often more forceful and her efforts more meticulous than the Empress's.

Now, Consort Hua had just made a public confession in front of the Empress Dowager, intending to win her favor. Seeing that the Empress Dowager was already quite satisfied, this little girl, who didn't even have a rank, suddenly appeared and said such a rude remark. Not only did she mock her status as a concubine, but she also deliberately used the Empress's title to suppress her. Thinking of this, Consort Hua was truly displeased, and when she looked at Fucha Yilan again, her eyes already held a hint of coldness.

An Lingrong saw this and then looked at the Empress Dowager, who was smiling with her eyes lowered, seemingly having no intention of resolving the situation. So she smiled slightly and said softly, "I heard that the 'Ten Thousand Blessings' embroidery scroll that Miss Yilan and I embroidered is what the Emperor will use to go to Nanshan to pray for blessings at the end of the month. The Emperor is truly filial and sincere, as clear as the sun and moon."

After hearing this, the Empress Dowager smiled and nodded, but Consort Hua's expression changed.