The Consort’s eyes dimmed for a moment.
Chu Qianli, however, did not understand. “Does the Consort think they will surely have absolute power in the future?”
“Miss Chu!”
Consort Ling seemed particularly sensitive to this topic and quickly said, “Miss, this is a matter of the Southern Underworld royal family. I’m afraid I cannot discuss it further with you.”
“Alright.”
Chu Qianli did not press, merely watching the direction Chu Qianqian had left, lost in thought.
Consort Ling had composed herself and offered her a gentle smile. “Miss Chu, we should go over soon. We mustn’t keep everyone waiting.”
“Alright.” Chu Qianli followed her lead.
Meanwhile, in the Empress Dowager’s chambers, Chu Feiyan was still fuming. “That girl Chu Qianqian is becoming more and more ill-mannered. She actually prevented me from visiting you, Imperial Grandmother!”
“What has Qianqian done now?” Perhaps due to hearing so many negative remarks about Chu Qianqian lately, the Empress Dowager no longer held much affection for her.
Neither of them were her own granddaughters to begin with, so their emotional bond was naturally not as deep.
Furthermore, Chu Qianqian was indeed somewhat lacking in etiquette. While the Empress Dowager did not dislike her, she did not favor her as she did Chu Feiyan.
Chu Feiyan said unhappily, “Imperial Grandmother, I just went to the imperial kitchen to get some pastries for you. I ran into Chu Qianqian, and guess what she said?”
“What did she say?” The Empress Dowager wasn’t particularly concerned about Chu Qianqian’s words; she merely echoed Chu Feiyan to prevent her from being bored in her presence.
The Empress Dowager had longed for grandchildren for many years, but unfortunately, her son had no woman, and after decades, she had lost all hope.
Sharing family joy was a happiness every elder desired, but since she couldn’t get it from her son, seeing Chu Feiyan’s docile and clever nature, she grew to like her more and more.
After all, Feiyan was a girl, a county princess, and would not be involved in the royal family’s power struggles in the future. The Empress Dowager felt no pressure in keeping her around.
It was better than being alone; having a young girl to amuse her from time to time was a good thing.
Chu Feiyan brought over a plate of pastries, pouting. “I wanted to get some osmanthus cakes for you, Imperial Grandmother, but that wicked girl Chu Qianqian wanted some too and snatched them away directly.”
“I said the osmanthus cakes were for Imperial Grandmother, but she said that you, Imperial Grandmother… you…”
“Said what about me?” The Empress Dowager looked at her.
Chu Feiyan hesitated before saying, “She said you’re already… already so old that your teeth are about to fall out, and you shouldn’t be eating sweets…”
“Insolent!” Granny Dian, who was standing nearby, immediately became furious!
“Those weren’t my words,” Chu Feiyan quickly said. “It was that wicked girl Chu Qianqian.”
The Empress Dowager did not seem angry, merely sighing. “That girl is becoming more and more ill-mannered.”
“It’s all because Second Imperial Uncle spoils her too much, which is why she’s become so unruly. However, she doesn’t have any bad intentions; she’s just ill-mannered.”
Chu Feiyan stared at the Empress Dowager’s face.
Indeed, ill-mannered was a grave offense in the Empress Dowager’s eyes.
The Empress Dowager disliked girls who lacked proper etiquette the most.
Even Chu Feiyan, when visiting the Empress Dowager, would offer greetings and perform salutations, adhering to a multitude of rules.
Even when she acted affectionately towards the Empress Dowager, she knew the boundaries perfectly, only making the Empress Dowager find her endearing, never making her think she hadn’t learned her manners.
She said in a low voice, “That’s why I wanted her to learn some manners, but I didn’t expect that girl not only wouldn’t listen but also found it bothersome, and even…”
“Even what?” Granny Dian couldn’t help but get angry.
Chu Feiyan pursed her lips. “She even wanted to hit me!”