Chapter 52 Taunts

Qian Xia saw that Nan Zhi Yun had come out for a walk, and her mood seemed to have worsened. Feeling a pang of self-reproach, she immediately urged Nan Zhi Yun, "Your Ladyship, it's cold outside. I'll accompany you back. You've only just recovered. Don't tire yourself. What kind of flowers does Your Ladyship like? I'll have someone send them to Ya Jing Ju, alright?"

"They won't live, so forget it," Nan Zhi had no interest in raising flowers. But she knew Qian Xia's concerns, so she decided to return.

However, just as she had this thought, she heard Chen Zhao Yuan's voice from behind.

"Oh, isn't this Consort Nan? What a surprise to see you out for a stroll today?" Chen Zhao Yuan asked with a smile. She was followed by quite a few people, but most of them were concubines of lower rank.

"Your servant greets Chen Zhao Yuan," Nan Zhi Yun performed a proper curtsy, her expression neutral.

"Consort Nan was once the most esteemed noble lady in the capital, even more so than a princess. This curtsy now makes me feel I dare not accept it," Chen Zhao Yuan said, but she did not tell Nan Zhi Yun to rise.

Nan Zhi Yun knew this was her way of making things difficult and paid it no mind. Her status was lower now, and these tactics were all too common.

However, Nan Zhi Yun's indifferent demeanor irked Chen Zhao Yuan. She had never treated anyone this way before, even for the sake of her image in Yu Jing Chen's eyes.

But thinking of how Yu Jing Chen had punished her in front of Nan Zhi Yun earlier, she was filled with anger. Coupled with her recent favor, she was perhaps getting a little carried away.

"Does Consort Nan disagree with my words?" Chen Zhao Yuan asked.

"As a consort of His Majesty, my status is not as high as yours, Zhao Yuan, so naturally, I must curtsy to you," Nan Zhi Yun replied.

"Hmph? What is it? Are you implying that if you were not a consort, you would be superior? Consort Nan, once you enter the palace, you are the Emperor's person. You must cast aside whatever status you had before," Chen Zhao Yuan said accusingly.

Nan Zhi Yun maintained her curtsy, finding it difficult to hold it any longer.

"Zhao Yuan is right. Your servant has learned her lesson." Nan Zhi Yun did not argue. No matter what she said, they would find a reason, simply because their status was higher and she was not favored.

This area was secluded and rarely visited. Their presence here today was clearly aimed at her, and the reasons were obvious.

"Hmph, in my humble opinion, Consort Nan doesn't seem to have learned her lesson. Even her curtsy is not performed correctly. This clearly shows she has no regard for you, Consort Zhao Yuan," said Yang Mei Ren, standing beside Chen Zhao Yuan.

"Your servant also feels that way. Consort Nan comes from a prestigious family and was raised by the Empress Dowager herself. Her etiquette is impeccable. Yet now, she can't even perform a curtsy properly. This is clearly intentional," said Lin Jie Yu.

"Consort Nan, what do you have to say for yourself?" Chen Zhao Yuan looked at Nan Zhi Yun unhappily.

"Your servant meant no disrespect to Zhao Yuan," Nan Zhi Yun replied.

"Insolent!" Chen Zhao Yuan clearly intended to hold her accountable.

"Your Ladyship Zhao Yuan, please see, my Consort has just recovered from a serious illness. Her posture became difficult to maintain after holding it for so long, but she absolutely meant no disrespect to Your Ladyship Zhao Yuan," Qian Xia interjected.

Unexpectedly, Chen Zhao Yuan slapped her, "How dare you, a lowly servant, speak when I am talking to your mistress? Guards!"

Chen Zhao Yuan was about to order the guards to deal with this presumptuous servant when she heard Nan Zhi Yun say, "Chen Zhao Yuan, Qian Xia was bestowed upon your servant by the Empress Dowager."

This statement served as both a reminder and a threat.