After finishing the drink, she wiped her lips and looked at Yun Shu.
Seeing Yun Shu's rosy complexion, her face still as beautiful as a blooming peach, enchanting and captivating, a surge of jealousy welled up within her.
She had heard some of the recent happenings and knew that Princess Shengyue of the Western Xia Kingdom had arrived. Princess Shengyue was the foremost beauty of Western Xia, though a bit arrogant. Yet, even she couldn't capture the Night King's attention.
He had still declared that his only love was Yun Shu.
A flame of jealousy burned in her heart. She desperately wanted to know how Yun Shu had won the Night King's heart!
How could she make the Night King so devoted!
However, when she thought of Princess Shengyue's purpose for coming – a marriage alliance – and how she was still treated so dismissively by the Night King, she felt a bit better. At least, Princess Shengyue, along with many other women in the capital, was also ignored by the Night King. This improved her mood considerably.
When Yun Shu entered, she first offered her respects to Consort Luo, then took a seat beside her.
As she stood up, she noticed Jiang Luoxi's complexion.
Seeing Jiang Luoxi so pale and noticeably thinner, Yun Shu was not surprised.
After all, the tainted medicinal herbs had come from her hands.
"Miss Yun Er, what business do you have with me?" Jiang Luoxi narrowed her eyes, adopting an air of superiority, intending to intimidate Yun Shu.
No matter how haggard she appeared now, she absolutely could not show weakness in front of Yun Shu.
Yun Shu gazed deeply at Jiang Luoxi, taking in the rapid changes in her expression, then curved her lips into a slight smile and said, "This commoner has come to see Your Ladyship because I heard you were feeling bored while recuperating in the palace, so I thought we could catch up."
Jiang Luoxi's face stiffened. Catch up?
What was there to catch up on between them?
She suspected Yun Shu had no good intentions.
She had agreed to see Yun Shu not for a reunion, but because she had something she needed to do.
However, for now, she replied with a strained smile, "Miss Yun Er is thoughtful."
She pondered how to bring up her request.
Perhaps Yun Shu could help her.
Just as she was hesitating on how to use Yun Shu, suddenly, Yun Shu's maidservant approached her.
As Jiang Luoxi frowned, about to dismiss the maid, the servant suddenly lifted her head.
And in a tone devoid of emotion, she said, "Consort Luo, do you remember this servant? You once saved me and showed me a path, which allowed me to reach where I am today. This servant is forever grateful. Hearing that Consort Luo has been unwell, I have come to visit."
The moment she saw Qian Le'er, Jiang Luoxi's face turned extremely grim, even showing a hint of shock. She had not expected Yun Shu to bring Qian Le'er into the palace!
No wonder she had spoken of catching up earlier!
This was indeed a reunion.
Damn it! To see someone who should have been dead reappear before her eyes felt like being forced to swallow a mouth full of flies – utterly disgusting.
Qian Le'er watched Jiang Luoxi's expression intently. Seeing that Jiang Luoxi had managed to conceal her emotions exceptionally well, revealing nothing, Qian Le'er sneered inwardly. She was truly skilled, the one who had played her for a fool! Upon seeing her, she didn't show any signs of panic, appearing as composed as ever.
Before, she had been brainwashed, single-mindedly believing she could rise in status. Besides being manipulated by Jiang Luoxi, she herself was also to blame! Because she, too, believed she could achieve greatness!
"Such great kindness, this servant will always remember," Qian Le'er added.
Seeing Qian Le'er, who had clearly come to settle scores, Jiang Luoxi felt a surge of anger but maintained an outwardly calm demeanor.
She showed no hint of guilt.
Yes, no guilt. She was just a pawn, and a pawn that hadn't performed well deserved to be discarded!
It was a pity, this was her mistake. She should have had Qian Le'er killed directly back then, not given her a chance to live!
Jiang Luoxi smiled faintly and said, "You are thoughtful. My kindness to you need not be overly remembered; it was merely what I ought to have done."
Qian Le'er clenched her fists tightly. "What you ought to have done!"
If they weren't in the imperial palace, she wouldn't have held back, perhaps she would have rushed forward and strangled Jiang Luoxi!
Yun Shu sensed that Qian Le'er's emotions were becoming uncontrollable, provoked by Jiang Luoxi. She immediately interjected, "Yes, it was all what she ought to have done, so it is only right that you are grateful. Le'er, just keep Consort Luo's kindness in your heart."
Hearing Yun Shu's calm words, Qian Le'er's agitated and hateful heart immediately settled.
Her main purpose for coming today was to see Jiang Luoxi alive and well.
She had expected that even when ill, Jiang Luoxi would still appear high and mighty, just as she had before, making her cautiously try to curry favor.
But to her surprise, seeing Jiang Luoxi again today, she realized Jiang Luoxi must have had a difficult time recently. She had not only lost a lot of weight but also her complexion was very pale.
A thought struck her, and she continued, "Consort Luo looks much more haggard recently. I recall Consort Luo once telling me to take good care of my appearance and never be careless. Consort, you are in the palace, you must not be careless! Ah, this servant speaks too much. Even without my reminder, Consort is certainly very aware!"
Then she quickly retreated to Yun Shu's side.
She then spoke to Yun Shu as if unrestrained, "Miss, Consort Luo's illness seems quite serious! This servant is truly worried."
While speaking of worry, a glint of satisfaction flashed in Qian Le'er's eyes.
This was how it should be!
Heaven should let Jiang Luoxi suffer all sorts of retribution!
Yun Shu merely smiled faintly, indulging Qian Le'er to continue.
"Miss, how did Consort Luo fall ill?"
Yun Shu sighed softly, "Le'er, Consort Luo was accidentally injured by the Night King."
Qian Le'er seemed shocked, her eyes widening. "Accidentally injured by the Night King? How could the Night King kick Consort Luo for no reason? Consort Luo has always been intelligent and virtuous, highly favored by the Emperor in the palace. How could the Night King resort to kicking Consort Luo?"
"Enough!" Jiang Luoxi interrupted, her face cold.
Yun Shu looked at Jiang Luoxi.
Jiang Luoxi pursed her lips tightly and said, "This matter is in the past, and I no longer care. As for why I am so severely ill, the imperial physicians have prescribed medicine, so you need not worry too much. Miss Yun Er, please ask your maid to step aside. I wish to speak with you alone."
Then, she looked at the palace maids beside her.
Receiving the signal, the palace maids immediately withdrew.
Qian Le'er did not obey Jiang Luoxi's command; she looked at Yun Shu.
Only after Yun Shu nodded did she step out, but she paused at the doorway, looking back at Jiang Luoxi, and thought silently: Jiang Luoxi, one day, I will kill you with my own hands and avenge myself!