Shen Qingwan's expression remained very calm throughout the whole process, no matter how stunning the woman in front of her was or how arrogant she was. Even though some of the concubines felt a little unwilling, she was fair and dignified in her actions, and no one dared to offend her.
After registering their identities and names, they were handed over to the nanny to arrange accommodation, which was actually in a large courtyard where the concubines in previous years had lived.
After Shen Qingwan returned to her bedroom, she had a meal and then went to rest. She was exhausted after being busy for such a long time. There were some not very capable people among the concubines in this year's show, but it had nothing to do with her.
It was already noon when she got up. Lian Yunli helped her change clothes. She casually asked, "Are everything arranged?" There was an unconscious hint of laziness in her voice when she just got up, and it sounded much gentler than usual.
Lianyun smiled and nodded, "Everything has been arranged, Your Majesty doesn't have to worry." Getting up early this morning to organize the talent show really troubled her majesty, as she has never liked such matters.
Thinking of the person she saw this morning, her sleepiness was half gone. She didn't expect that Shen Qingyan was also among the concubines. After not seeing her for many years, she was still so weak and frail. This kind of personality really put her at a disadvantage in the harem.
He couldn't help but frowned, feeling a little worried, "Go to Xiu Nu's residence."
The courtyards where the concubines lived were all allocated. Li Xinyu was getting more and more angry as she thought about it in her room. She had lost face among so many concubines. Even if she couldn't vent her anger on Concubine Xian, she had to take back a game. Could it be that she couldn't deal with that lowly merchant girl
She went towards Shen Qingyan's house with anger. They were just concubines and had no one to take care of them, so it was not difficult for them to enter the house.
She was about to say something sarcastic at her door, but she didn't expect that there was not only Shen Qingyan inside, but also...
Li Xinyu was so scared that she quickly turned sideways and leaned against the outside of the house, but she couldn't help but want to eavesdrop on what the people inside were saying.
The person in Shen Qingyan's room was none other than Shen Qingwan! She couldn't help wondering why she was here
"My servant's place is simple, please don't despise it, Your Majesty." Shen Qingyan lowered her head slightly, her voice gentle, quite like a beautiful girl from a small family.
At this moment, Shen Qingwan also let go of her coldness, with a gentle smile on her face and concern in her eyes, "I haven't seen you for a few years and you have become so unfamiliar with me." They played together when they were children, but now they are so unfamiliar with each other.
Shen Qingyan's eyelids moved uneasily when she heard that, and she heard her voice again, "I am the virtuous concubine in front of others, but now I am just your cousin."
Seeing that Shen Qingyan was hesitant and seemed a little inferior, perhaps because of her identity, Shen Qingwan used a gentle policy to persuade her.
"Your servant..." Shen Qingyan was still a little uncomfortable. The nanny said that once you enter the palace, you must abide by the rules and not cross them.
"If you're still like this, I'll leave." Shen Qingwan pretended to be displeased and pretended to turn around, but she was grabbed by the corner of her clothes.
He curled his lips in satisfaction and heard the woman call softly, "Cousin."
Li Xinyu didn't dare to get too close, so she only heard the two people inside talking, but the content was a bit confusing.
Shen Qingyan gradually relaxed and invited her to sit down, "When did you return to Kyoto? Why didn't my father mention it?" Shen Qingyan has been doing business abroad with her father these years, so she didn't know about his return this time.
"I just came back a few days ago. My father said he was afraid to trouble the general, so he didn't inform you." She answered politely, but with a faint smile on her lips, she looked much more friendly.
Hearing this, she glared at the girl coquettishly, blaming her, "Don't you think we are your family? You should have informed me when you returned to Kyoto." Seeing her submissive look, she couldn't bear it, "Besides, you should have told me in advance that you were going to the palace. If I hadn't arranged it, I would have missed you!"
"Daddy said he was afraid that my cousin wouldn't like it..." Shen Qingyan was honest and spoke the truth with her head slightly lowered.
She instantly understood the meaning of these words. It was indeed reasonable for her uncle to worry, but why was she so narrow-minded and how could she think like this
"If I were angry, I wouldn't keep you." Shen Qingwan pretended to be angry, "But the harem is dangerous, I'm really afraid you won't be able to adapt."
I was ridiculed by the daughter of a fifth-rank official just after registering my identity today. This is still light. Taking advantage of you verbally cannot really harm you.
Shen Qingyan lowered her head. How could she not know that the road ahead would be difficult
She was just the daughter of a merchant. She was ostracized and looked out of place among the many beautiful ladies. After all, they were all daughters of officials.
Seeing her inferiority complex, Shen Qingwan also changed the subject, "I haven't seen you for many years, how is your uncle's health?"
When talking about her father, Shen Qingyan's expression was obviously much more relaxed and cheerful, but the worry in her eyes became deeper, "Dad has always been in good health, cousin, don't worry."
She nodded in understanding, "So what has uncle been doing recently? Is he still busy with business?"
"Daddy seems to be very busy lately." She looked puzzled and helpless. "Daddy was often not seen before I entered the palace. It seems that he was taking care of something important." Her tone was a little worried. She didn't know if her father's body could handle it. "I don't know what he is busy with. Even when I asked him, he just answered casually."
Shen Qingwan couldn't bear to see her worry, so she comforted her softly, "Uncle must have some plans, and he will be free when he is done."
"I don't want Dad to be so busy all the time."
"Life is not easy." She patted Shen Qingyan's hand gently, and only when she saw her smile did she show a look of relief. Thinking of the road to the harem, she couldn't help but remind her, "In the future, you must be careful in what you say and do in the palace, be careful in everything, and pay attention to the people around you."
Looking at Shen Qingwan's sincere eyes, she felt a lot more relaxed. Fortunately, her cousin was there. "Thank you, cousin. I will be careful." At most, she would not cause trouble and communicate with them. She could not cause trouble for her cousin.
"I can't stay here with you for too long, otherwise you will become the target of everyone's criticism." After saying that, she stood up and left Lianyun waiting outside the palace.
Shen Qingyan also understood. Seeing her turn and leave, she suddenly pulled her hand. Shen Qingwan stared at her in confusion, her mouth opening and closing several times, but in the end she didn't say a word.
"What's wrong?"
"It's okay, cousin, please be careful when you go back." She looked evasive and a little uneasy.
Although Shen Qingwan had some doubts in her heart, she was not prepared to ask further questions. Pressing her too hard would only backfire.
After Shen Qingwan left, Li Xinyu hurried back to her room. She didn't expect that Concubine Xian had an extraordinary relationship with Shen Qingyan!
How could the gentle Shen Qingwan just now be the same person as she was in the morning
Shen Qingwan, Shen Qingyan...
She cursed herself for being so stupid. Their names were so similar, but she hadn't thought of their relationship before! Fortunately, she didn't rush in, otherwise she would have suffered.