"How thoughtful of you," the Empress replied.
The other concubines silently watched the two of them argue, not daring to speak. A scene like this happened every few days, so everyone was used to it.
'Eat more, talk less.' That was the only way to protect oneself.
Noble Princess Consort Zhan sat quietly, as if she were in a world of her own. She was a faction unto herself; no matter how fiercely the other two debated, it had nothing to do with her.
The Empress and Consort Yuan would never drag her into their fights, but if any of the other concubines misspoke even slightly, they would be pulled into the fray.
"Pangtuan, are you tired?" Lady Zhan turned and asked quietly.
"A little bored."
Lady Zhan nodded and stood up. "Your Majesty, I'm suddenly feeling a bit unwell. I'll take Qian Ning and excuse myself for now."
"Is it serious, Lady Zhan? Should I summon an Imperial Physician to have a look?"
"It's just an old ailment. I'll be fine after a little rest," Lady Zhan said.
