Hearing this, Shu Fei bowed her head in shame and withdrew, realizing that her aunt still cared for her by hinting that she should quickly bear a prince to secure her position in the harem. She secretly felt fortunate that she still held the upper hand!
Shortly after Shu Fei left, the Empress Dowager summoned Xiao Zi, saying sternly: “Go and invite Mei Fei to see me, but make sure the emperor does not see you.”
“This servant understands,” Xiao Gong Gong replied respectfully.
What followed was the scene of Xiao Gong Gong entering the Yanfeng Palace to summon Mei Fei to meet the Empress Dowager!
Mei Siyu followed Xiao Gong Gong, moving gracefully behind him, passing through winding corridors and soon arriving at the Fengxian Palace, the Empress Dowager’s residence.
Entering the hall, she was greeted by a majestic and ancient decor, with yellow curtains separating the main hall from the inner chamber, exuding an inviolable noble atmosphere of the sacred imperial family.
In the inner chamber, she saw an elegant woman around fifty years old reclining on a soft couch. Her jet-black hair was impeccably arranged, her delicate features exquisite beneath her makeup, wearing a pale yellow gold-trimmed gauze dress adorned with jewels, looking incredibly noble! This was undoubtedly the Empress Dowager, with her graceful demeanor and refined mannerisms.
“Daughter-in-law pays respects to the Empress Dowager, wishing you good fortune,” Mei Siyu said softly, bowing slightly in respect.
“You are Mei Siyu?” the Empress Dowager inquired impassively, scrutinizing the infamous concubine. She saw a delicate, elegant woman with exquisite features, smooth skin, clear eyes like an autumn pond, a slender yet strong figure, and an otherworldly elegant temperament – clearly a captivating woman.
No wonder her stern son was infatuated, and even the usually aloof Yu was deeply in love. These two excellent princes whom she favored had been silently stolen by her!
“Yes, I am Mei Siyu,” she replied with a light laugh.
“How dare you address me directly!” the Empress Dowager shouted angrily, striking her.
Mei Siyu covered her stinging face, bewildered by the seemingly gentle Empress Dowager’s harsh treatment, feeling her face burning with an inexplicable sense of grievance.
“This slap is to teach you the palace rules. Do not think you can disrespect your elders just because the prince favors you,” the Empress Dowager said sternly to the teary-eyed Mei Siyu.
