Chapter 1832: Chapter 1832: Unfair
“It’s not your fault,” Yang Ruxin shook her head, “The enmity between her and me has existed for a long time, or rather, ever since she knew of my existence, she has held hostility towards me.” Since the time she coveted Gu Qingheng, she had never intended to be friends with that woman.
Shen Shuyi frowned.
Yang Ruxin didn’t explain, but instead smiled and said nothing more, continuing to follow the footsteps of the people ahead.
Kangshou Palace.
The Empress Dowager sat at the top, below sat the elegantly dressed Imperial Concubine Mu, followed by Virtuous Concubine Xiao Jin, Concubine Cui Meng, and Concubine Xue Lingzhu. Parallel to them sat the Crown Princess Consort, followed by other concubines of lower ranks.
Heading the gathering were four old madams from the four great ducal families, all of whom held exceptional rank, so even the Empress Dowager seemed to treat them courteously. After paying respect, she had them seated, while the rest stood. As for the young girls, the Empress Dowager had the Princess of Pingning County escort them to the side hall.
“Let the young girls play by themselves, so we can have a good conversation,” the Empress Dowager smiled as she glanced at the energetic group of girls, “Otherwise, they don’t feel comfortable here.”
“The Empress Dowager is so considerate,” Madam Cui laughed in response, having known the Empress Dowager since before she entered the palace, so she spoke quite freely, then turned her head to Cui Fangfang, “Go and play with your sisters.”
Although Cui Fangfang didn’t want to go, she couldn’t refuse at this moment. She quickly paid respects and went to the side hall.
The side hall was quite spacious, having been arranged nicely with plenty of fruits and snacks.
Even without the Empress Dowager and others around, everyone still maintained composure, as it was the palace and they couldn’t leave a negative impression. Therefore, the entire side hall, despite containing over a dozen girls, remained quiet, with each finding familiar people to speak to softly.
Cui Fangfang was unfamiliar with everyone, so she found a relatively secluded corner to sit in, conveniently diagonal to Yang Ruxin, allowing her to observe Yang Ruxin’s every move from the corner of her eye, even with her head lowered.
Yang Ruxin was with Hen Ziyue, first discussing the matter of fragrance-making. Then Qi Zizi ran over, holding a piece of dried meat, and everyone began talking about food.
Yang Ruxin was quite knowledgeable about food, its origins, and the eight major cuisines. While maybe not an expert in all, she could at least speak intelligently, even adding some self-created mythical stories, which eventually attracted everyone to gather around her.
Of course, some did not join in, like Cui Fangfang, Shen Jiayin, and Zuo Qingqing.
Cui Fangfang watched Yang Ruxin being surrounded by the others, her eyes flashing with resentment, her hands clenched tightly in her sleeves. Why? Why, when both she and Yang Ruxin were born into humble circumstances, could Yang Ruxin be so well-off when she herself had to endure so much to secure her place?
Unfair, Heaven is too unfair.
“What’s so special about her?” Zuo Qingqing nearby sneered, “She acts as if she knows everything, but no matter how she pretends, she’s still a country girl…” This time Miss Zuo was wise enough to lower her voice, only letting those near her hear.
Shen Jiayin glared at her.
Zuo Qingqing immediately fell silent.
Cui Fangfang heard this, her eyes immediately brightening. This person dislikes Yang Dani too, so… the enemy of an enemy is a friend, she nodded, “I also think that Madam Gu is somewhat…”