At a glance, Pei Jinxiu’s harem was truly extensive, filled with beauties as fresh and delicate as flowers.
That didn’t seem quite right, though. Pei Jinxiu himself was only in his twenties, a young and promising emperor. Setting aside his age, his enchantingly handsome features alone were enough to make countless young women lose their hearts.
Apart from Beauty Chan, who relied on her pregnancy to dare glare at her, the other consorts all lowered their heads, not daring to meet Ning Wanwan’s gaze.
In her heart, Ning Wanwan felt a mix of shock and fear. With such family status and such a lofty position, she knew that if she were to fall, she would likely be shattered to pieces.
It was said that once her brother, Ning Yuanzhou, returned with his military merits, he would be further honored. With such vast power, did Pei Jinxiu not worry about his own position? According to the plot of the story she knew, the Emperor should have been deeply wary of her family. Why, then, was he so indulgent toward her and the Ning Family? Was he perhaps planning to "fatten them up for the slaughter"?
Ning Wanwan frowned slightly, her eyes filled with newfound curiosity as she looked at Pei Jinxiu.
Pei Jinxiu had been drinking, and noticing Ning Wanwan beside him, he couldn't help but turn his head. His deep, dark eyes were filled with warmth and doting affection as he asked in a low voice, "Once I’ve finished my business in a few days, shall I take you out for some horse riding and archery?"
Blushing under his gaze, Ning Wanwan nodded.
The man held her hand, never letting go, but Ning Wanwan was starting to feel an urgent need to use the restroom and couldn't help but struggle slightly.
"What is it?" Pei Jinxiu asked.
"Well... I’m in a bit of a hurry, I need to step away," Ning Wanwan said, so embarrassed she wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
The man chuckled softly and released her hand. Finally freed, Ning Wanwan hurried away from the scene.
Watching her retreating back, a flicker of coldness, subtle and fleeting, crossed Pei Jinxiu’s eyes before vanishing instantly.
After taking care of her business, just as Ning Wanwan was about to return, she collided with a woman.
"How bold! How dare you run into the Imperial Noble Consort!" Lüqiu scolded, her voice sharp with feigned ferocity.
Ning Wanwan reached out to stop Lüqiu, who was about to press forward, and shook her head. Lüqiu looked confused but did not dare to advance further.
"Who are you?" Ning Wanwan asked.
Unlike the opulent and magnificent phoenix robes Ning Wanwan wore, the woman’s ivory-colored dress was thin and simple. Her features were not outstanding, yet she possessed a fresh, delicate charm like a pale chrysanthemum. Her doe-like eyes were moist, as if she had been crying.
"Talented Lady Lin Xi, my respects to the Imperial Noble Consort." She bowed low, her posture one of fear and nervous hesitation.
Ning Wanwan smiled gently and raised a hand to help her up. "No need for such formality."
"I did not know the Imperial Noble Consort was here, and I accidentally ran into you. I beg for your forgiveness," the woman said, preparing to kneel once more. Her fragile, willow-like grace was truly pitiable.
Just then, Pei Jinxiu arrived. Seeing this, his brow furrowed deeply.
"What is the meaning of this, Imperial Noble Consort?"
Ning Wanwan looked up with her beautiful eyes and explained, "Talented Lady Lin just accidentally bumped into—"
Before she could finish, Pei Jinxiu interrupted with a cold, angry reprimand:
"Insolent."
Ning Wanwan was taken aback, only to hear the man continue, "Talented Lady Lin ran into the Imperial Noble Consort, showing a complete lack of hierarchy. You are to be confined to your quarters for one month, starting tomorrow."
Ning Wanwan: "?"
The woman knelt on the ground, trembling with fear.
"Isn't that a bit harsh, Your Majesty? Talented Lady Lin didn't do it on purpose. Let it go," Ning Wanwan couldn't help but intercede.
Pei Jinxiu seemed to exhale in relief. "Since the Imperial Noble Consort says so, then very well."
With that, Pei Jinxiu pulled Ning Wanwan into an intimate embrace and the two walked away together.
Once they were out of sight, the woman lifted her head, her face now calm.
"Talented Lady, please rise quickly." The eunuch by Pei Jinxiu’s side respectfully helped her up.
"Eunuch Li, tell me, when will days like these finally end?" Beneath her calm facade, a fire of jealousy burned, distorting her features.
"Talented Lady, please be patient. The Ning Family is currently at the height of their power, and the Imperial Noble Consort has not committed any faults. We cannot topple them just yet; you must endure a little longer," Eunuch Li replied.
The woman said nothing more, only turning to look quietly at Eunuch Li. Her eyes were turbulent with dark currents, though her expression remained blank.
Eunuch Li felt his scalp prickle.
"Don't let the play-acting become real, and don't fall in love with that woman," Lin Xi said coldly before turning to leave.