Xiao Quanzi couldn't help but speak up from the side, "Hey! My Lady, that's not necessarily the case! After all, Xia Jieyu is with child; it's only natural for the Emperor to pay her special attention! This servant has made inquiries. Xia Jieyu received no favor for an entire year after entering the palace. It wasn't until the latter half of last year that, for some unknown reason, she suddenly gained the Emperor's favor! So, one can assume... the Emperor might not truly hold her in high regard! You, My Lady, are different. Of all the young ladies who have entered the palace, the Emperor favors only you!"
After this barrage of enthusiastic flattery, Honored Lady Du's vanity was immensely satisfied.
Hmm! I must be even more careful that no one finds out I'm still a virgin!
After the midday meal, Honored Lady Du felt very irritable. There was no ice, no refreshing fruit—nothing at all. Naturally, her situation was far less comfortable than Xia Ruqing's.
