Chapter 150: Thank You, Sister, for Your Kind Words

“Hehe! How could that be? This is my first time tasting Late-Sweet Marquis tea. I had only heard of it before.”

Liu Qianqian herself was unsure whether her competitiveness had made her say the wrong thing. She knew the tea was a tribute reserved for the imperial household, something ordinary people could never obtain, so she hurriedly explained that she had merely heard of it.

Fu Yan gave her a meaningful smile. Liu Qianqian realized that her boastfulness and needless words might have displeased her, and quickly changed the subject.

“You must be terribly busy, Sister. Are you doing needlework as well? Are you embroidering a sachet?”

Liu Qianqian had noticed the needlework tools and materials on the table and knew that Fu Yan was indeed embroidering a sachet.

“Yes. It is for His Majesty. I mentioned it to him some time ago—I thought I would embroider a sachet to hang before his bed, so that its fragrance might calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and help him sleep. His Majesty has not been sleeping well lately.”

Fu Yan plainly stated that the sachet was for the Emperor. She deliberately made it sound as though she and His Majesty shared a deep affection, stirring both envy and jealousy in Liu Qianqian.

Liu Qianqian was now trying to win her favor, so she no longer dared quarrel or compete with Fu Yan as she had in the past. Instead, she put on an appearance of sincere happiness for her.

“His Majesty dotes on you, Sister, and you serve him with such devotion. Yet ever since I entered the palace, I have not even seen His Majesty’s face. You truly are blessed.”

Liu Qianqian spoke with undisguised envy. These were indeed her heartfelt words, yet they carried another implication as well. How could Fu Yan fail to understand why she had suddenly become so polite and ingratiating?

After voicing her grievances, Liu Qianqian was surely about to ask for Fu Yan’s help. But Fu Yan was not so kindhearted. She knew that Liu Qianqian was no innocent, and that she might well repay kindness with betrayal once she had what she wanted.

Besides, Liu Qianqian’s family background was nearly equal to her own. To protect the dignity of the Right Chancellor, His Majesty would very likely summon Liu Qianqian to his chambers after a little while.

If she could not teach her to be good, then she would teach her something wicked instead. She should not blame Fu Yan for being ruthless. In order to become Empress without incident, Fu Yan intended to remove and trample every obstacle in her path.

“There is no need for you to be anxious, Sister. Your turn to receive His Majesty’s favor will surely come. It is only that there are so many consorts in the palace, and His Majesty cannot attend to every one of them equally.”

Fu Yan comforted Liu Qianqian in this manner. Though Li Zhen’s palace did not contain three thousand beauties, there were still several dozen consorts and attendants.

With the Emperor visiting one woman today and another tomorrow, even if he made the rounds, a single turn would leave one waiting a long time. And since every emperor had a few favored consorts, there were women who might wait until their hair turned white and still see him only a handful of times.

Liu Qianqian, however, was delighted by what she heard. She had entered the palace to serve the Emperor, and without his favor she would be looked down upon. It was a bitter fate indeed.

Was Fu Yan before her not the perfect example? The consorts who enjoyed the Emperor’s favor were all eager to curry favor with her. Since she and Fu Yan were old acquaintances and could even address each other as sisters, it would be worthwhile to bask in her reflected glory.

“Come whenever you have the time. But I may be busy on occasion and unable to keep you company and chat as I have today. I hope you will understand.”

Fu Yan spoke with affected graciousness. Though her words were not especially pleasant to hear, Liu Qianqian still responded ingratiatingly.

“Of course, of course. A noble lady such as you must have many important matters to attend to. I shall take my leave after paying my respects today.”

“Take care, Sister.”

Once Liu Qianqian had left, Fu Yan sneered at her fawning manner. She picked up her embroidery frame and resumed her work, muttering mockingly to herself:

“Liu Qianqian, do you think I cannot see what you are plotting? Very well. Since you are so eager to distinguish yourself, I shall find an opportunity to let you make a splendid spectacle of yourself.”