Chapter 23 – The Guest

Shu Ruohua and Qian Ning exchanged a glance.

There was a visitor at Lengfeng Pavilion?

Judging by the voice, Qian Ning felt it sounded somewhat familiar. “Miss, I’ll go take a look.”

Shu Ruohua replied, “Mm.”

Qian Ning quickly ran to the main entrance. “Lady Ning?”

Outside the main gate stood Lady Ning, dressed in a long, emerald-green gown. Her willow-like waist, bright eyes, and fine teeth gave her a graceful appearance.

At that moment, she had her hands on her hips and was shouting at the two guards standing at the entrance.

The two guards had their arms crossed and were firmly blocking her way, not letting her in.

As soon as she saw Qian Ning approaching, the arrogance on Lady Ning’s face immediately disappeared. Her brows curved, and she smiled sweetly.

Just as she was about to call out to Qian Ning, Shu Ruohua also walked over.

Because of what happened to Qian Ning the previous night, Shu Ruohua was worried that another concubine might come causing trouble again today. Feeling uneasy, she quickly followed along to check.

When Lady Ning saw Shu Ruohua, she immediately waved and called out, “Elder sister! Elder sister!!”

In her heart, she thought that Shu Ruohua would surely allow the guards to let her through.

However…

Shu Ruohua didn’t recognize her at all.

She stared at Lady Ning for quite a while, unable to figure out who this person was.

As for that “elder sister” Lady Ning just called her…

Looking at this woman, she clearly appeared a few years older than herself. Calling her “elder sister”—wasn’t she afraid of losing years off her life by doing so?!

Forget it.

She waved her hand at Qian Ning. “Let’s go!”

There were guards blocking the entrance anyway, and that woman couldn’t get in. Let her shout all she wants.

Qian Ning was briefly stunned.

“Miss,” she tugged on Shu Ruohua’s sleeve, “this is Lady Ning. Isn’t it a bit impolite not to even greet her?”

After all, she was one of the crown prince’s consorts. If Shu Ruohua didn’t at least acknowledge her, it would indeed seem rude.

Shu Ruohua thought about it.

Qian Ning had a point.

She turned back and walked a few steps toward the entrance. “Is there something you need?”

Lady Ning replied, “I heard that the ban on Lengfeng Pavilion has been lifted, so I specially came to visit elder sister.”

“Oh,” Shu Ruohua nodded. So she was a gossipmonger.

Now that the ban had been lifted, all the concubines in the Eastern Palace had probably heard by now.

Any concubine visiting Lengfeng Pavilion at this time was definitely here to sniff out information.

They all probably wanted to know what kind of trick Shu Ruohua had used to get the crown prince to lift the ban.

She forced a smile on her face. “I’m doing well. Thank you for your concern.”

This Lady Ning didn’t seem like a bad person—but she definitely had a nosy streak.

Not wanting to waste words with her, Shu Ruohua said, “Since you’ve paid your visit, I’ll be heading back.”

With that, she turned to leave.

Seeing this, Lady Ning hurriedly called out, “Please wait, elder sister!”

She had come today to gather information—she couldn’t just give up now.

“As a guest, won’t you invite me in for a seat?”

Shu Ruohua responded bluntly, “No.”

Lady Ning: “…”

Shu Ruohua was too straightforward. That answer nearly choked Lady Ning on the spot.

Qian Ning also felt speechless.

Ever since Shu Ruohua had regained consciousness last time, it was as if she had become a completely different person—too direct in both words and actions.

Qian Ning had more or less gotten used to it by now.

But today, Lady Ning had come forward on her own to show goodwill. If Shu Ruohua just sent her away like that, Lady Ning would definitely hold a grudge.

Qian Ning quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.

“Lady Ning, you may not know, but Lengfeng Pavilion is far too dirty and messy. My lady is only afraid it might be uncomfortable for you, which is why she didn’t invite you inside.”

Lady Ning immediately smiled, “So that’s it? That’s nothing at all. I can help elder sister clean up!”

She really was quite industrious.

Qian Ning: “…”

She had thought her explanation would make Lady Ning give up on entering.

But unexpectedly, it made her even more enthusiastic.

However, Shu Ruohua suddenly looked intrigued.

She turned back, a mischievous smile curling on her lips. “You truly want to help clean?”

Lady Ning nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, of course I’m willing!”

As long as she could get close to Shu Ruohua, she’d surely be able to learn something. Cleaning was nothing—this was an opportunity she couldn’t let go.

Shu Ruohua’s smile deepened.

She walked over to the guards at the entrance and instructed them to let Lady Ning in.

Only then did the two guards step aside.

Shu Ruohua beamed. “Come on in.”

She smiled while beckoning Lady Ning to follow.

Qian Ning was a bit confused.

Shu Ruohua led Lady Ning to the rear courtyard.

“I was just about to tidy up this courtyard. Since you’re willing to help, let’s do it together.”

…

…

(End of Chapter)