After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

Xiao Ran was somewhat surprised that her younger sister would say something like "I don't like Nangong Ming".

In her past life, she had witnessed firsthand the heart-wrenching and deeply moving love story between He Wan and Nangong Ming. Now, hearing He Wan speak like this, it was as if she were a completely different person.

but……

He Wan's words were just for show; they shouldn't be taken seriously. Xiao Ran sneered inwardly, but her face remained calm.

The rest of the journey was smooth, and the carriage was no longer bumpy. The two remained silent throughout the journey. Xiao Ran occasionally mentioned the intricacies between young ladies from aristocratic families to He Wan. It was unclear how much He Wan had taken in, as she would sometimes nod and sometimes frown, making it difficult to tell whether she truly understood or was just being perfunctory.

When the carriage stopped, they realized they had arrived at the palace gate. Xiao Ran looked up and saw the magnificent vermilion gate standing tall, and a wave of emotion surged in her heart.

In her past life, she was betrothed behind these palace gates, and her father was also convicted behind these palace gates...

Behind this palace gate had always brought her endless misfortune, so much so that now, upon seeing it again, she felt a faint sense of resistance.

Xiao Mu was talking quietly with the leading eunuch when, not long after, the eunuch walked towards them.

"Miss Xiao." He nodded slightly as a sign of politeness, and Xiao Ran nodded back.

Xiao Ran looked up and recognized the man—it was Eunuch Jinxi from the Imperial Household Department. In her past life, he was the one who arranged the Emperor's bestowed marriage, giving her a modest wedding procession. Seeing him again now, she couldn't help but feel a complex mix of emotions.

Jinxi turned his gaze to the quiet He Wan beside him, raised his eyebrows slightly, and asked, "Then this must be... Miss Xiao the Second, right?"

He Wan bowed gracefully and said softly, "In response to Eunuch Jinxi, my daughter He Wan is the second young lady of the General's Mansion."

Upon hearing this, Jinxi's eyes flashed with understanding, and his tone carried a hint of meaning: "So you're not surnamed Xiao. My apologies for my rudeness." He paused, then asked with a half-smile, "However, Miss Wan seems to have never been to the palace before. How do you know my name?"

Xiao Ran sneered inwardly. Her "good sister" naturally knew of Eunuch Jinxi's reputation. However, He Wan was always good at saying nice things to make people feel comfortable.

Sure enough, He Wan smiled slightly, her tone gentle and respectful: "Before I entered the General's Mansion, I wandered the streets. At that time, I often heard rumors that Eunuch Jinxi of the Imperial Household Department had accomplished many important things for the Emperor and was a pillar of the state. Now that I have seen him, it is indeed true."

Upon hearing this, Jin Xi's eyes indeed lit up with joy. He cleared his throat, his tone tinged with pleasure:

"Ladies, it's almost time. Please come with me to the palace."

"Yes." Xiao Ran and He Wan bowed in unison, then followed Jin Xi and slowly stepped into the palace gate.

……

Xiao Mu was a senior official in the palace, so he naturally didn't need anyone to guide him, while He Shi was led by another palace maid. Because the wives of several ministers had been summoned by the Empress, and although she was a concubine, she was, after all, the only woman by the general's side, so her name was also on the list.

Xiao Ran and He Wan were led to the banquet area. Inside the main hall, dozens of low tables were neatly arranged, each table laden with sumptuous dishes and fine wine.

The delicacies from land and sea, the exquisite pastries from the imperial kitchen, and some exotic fruits she had never seen before must have been precious tributes from envoys of various countries.

She found a seat and was about to sit down when she was interrupted by a warm voice.

"Ran-mei!"