She leaned dependent on Noble Consort Liu's arms: "Father Emperor only has eyes for Noble Consort Zhang and Lu Zhengliu. How could he ever consider me? Instead of asking Father Emperor to arrange a marriage, I might as well wait until Crown Prince Brother ascends the throne, and then ask him to choose a suitable match for me. Mother Consort, I've come to understand now—although Crown Prince Brother is cold and indifferent, at least he's not as ruthless as Father Emperor... At the very least, I am still his sister in name. He wouldn't throw me into a pit of fire."
Noble Consort Liu, not having much of an opinion herself, embraced her and said, "Mother Consort will follow your lead!"
At another corner of the Imperial Palace, Noble Consort Zhang was trimming a bouquet of peonies in her opulent and resplendent chamber.
Though she originated from the Music Workshop, years of luxurious living had imbued her with a refinement not seen in ordinary women.
