Chapter 115 - 112.3: The Unemotional Emperor_2
"Why have they come again?" Xiao Rou was initially in high spirits trying on the new jewelry sent by the Internal Affairs Office, but upon hearing the senior palace maid’s words, she felt annoyed yet had no choice but to meet with them. Entering were two stunningly beautiful women in the prime of their lives, one with an ethereal grace, the other brimming with youthful charm, both possessed rare and exceptional beauty.
Xiao Zi was her cousin from her second uncle’s side, like her, a legitimate daughter of the Xiao Family, who had always enjoyed reading and writing since childhood, making her, the older cousin, seem utterly worthless in comparison. Fortunately, they did not live together for long as she soon entered the palace, and there was not much conflict between the two. But since the selection had started, whenever Xiao Rou saw her cousin’s arrogant demeanor, she felt uncomfortable.
The other was Xiao Ke, a girl from a collateral branch of the Xiao Family. Unlike Xiao Zi, she was skilled at pleasing others, her words sweeter than Xiao Rou’s had ever been, humble and well-liked among the concubines, so much so that even the haughty Xiao Rou sometimes showed her a bit of favor.
"Greetings to the noble concubine."
Despite her discomfort, Xiao Rou could not shame them due to their shared Xiao Family heritage, so with an air of discontent she said, "Rise, all of you." She then turned to the senior palace maid and ordered, "Grant them seats."
"Thank you, Lady," Xiao Ke immediately chuckled her thanks, whereas Xiao Zi was much quieter, seating herself silently without speaking a word.
"Lady, your quarters are truly splendid; no wonder rumors from outside the palace speak of Your Majesty’s profound favor towards you. Even though it’s not my first visit, every time I come, I am taken aback," Xiao Ke flattered with a giggle, implying a sense of awe every time she met Xiao Rou."
Xiao Rou, flattered, held her head high with pride and said, "You needn’t envy me; you will have your share of the Emperor’s favor someday too."