Everyone had heard what He Hui had said inside just now.
These maids had all entered the palace together during the consort selection. It was just because of their lower status that they were willing to serve others.
However, they all had decent looks. Now that they finally had a chance, they would surely seize it and not let go.
"Humph, little sister, keep your voice down. Be careful of eavesdroppers. That imperial concubine is really something. We're clearly doing this for her own good. Besides, if she has no chance to rise to prominence, how can we ever make a name for ourselves?"
"I just can't stand it. By the way, if she knows the emperor so well, why doesn't she go herself?"
Anyone would find this hard to understand.
These maids weren't stupid. If it were them, they definitely wouldn't give up such a good opportunity for nothing.
The little maids whispered to each other, suspecting that there might be some hidden scheme.
"Do you think she did it on purpose? Otherwise, she might be secretly plotting against the imperial concubine behind her back."
This remark piqued everyone's interest. Most of the other maids thought the same as this one.
"I think so too. Otherwise, who would give up such a good opportunity? He Hui comes from a merchant family. It's even less likely for her to just hand over this great chance."
The maids buried their heads and whispered to each other. They decided to keep an eye on He Hui. If she really did something, they might even get some merits.
...
On the other side.
Ye Xinxin didn't think that much. She happily returned to her palace and immediately ordered someone to make a set of clothes.
That set of clothes was specially prepared for tonight's night with the emperor.
The emperor had spent the night with the queen last night. According to the rules, he should come to her tonight.
Success or failure depended on tonight. As long as what He Hui said was true, she could win half of the emperor's heart tonight.
She happily looked at the dress sent by the young consort candidate. Under the candlelight, it slowly glowed with a tempting light.
Everything was ready, just waiting for the right moment.
After a day of intense preparation, soon, Fu Lu personally led some people over to make arrangements.
"Imperial concubine, this is the first time the emperor is coming here. You must serve him well. The empress dowager has repeatedly reminded us that there must be no mistakes. Otherwise, our heads won't be able to bear it."
"Don't worry, father-in-law. By the way, how long will it be before the emperor comes?"
She was already a bit impatient, with a slight blush on her ear tips.
Fu Lu naturally kept his head down all the time. He still had the propriety of a servant.
"The emperor will come after he finishes his official business. The emperor also said in advance that if the imperial concubine has waited for too long, she can go to rest first."
"That won't do! I'll wait for the emperor here. Father-in-law, you've worked hard. Go down and have a cup of tea first."
Fu Lu didn't stay long and was soon led away.
Ye Xinxin rarely waited in the palace. Finally, the young emperor arrived with a gloomy face.
When he saw the person waiting for him inside, a look of surprise flashed across his eyes.
"The imperial concubine is used to a precious life. If you're sleepy, you can go to bed early. There's no need to wait for me all the time."
The woman in the sheer veil gently got up. The candles around were flickering.
"What are you saying, Your Majesty? You are my husband, my sky and my earth. It's only natural for me to wait for you. Your Majesty has worked hard all day. How about I give you a massage to relax?"
Such words surprised the young emperor.
"You actually know how to give a massage?"
"I specially learned some for Your Majesty a few days ago. I don't know how well I can do it. I'll only know after trying."
As she said this, her slender hands rested on the young emperor's broad shoulders.
At first, Ji Heng closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep, planning to enjoy it. But after a few movements, he detected a familiar technique, and his face became increasingly gloomy.
Finally, he lost all interest and grabbed the restless hand.
"Who did you learn this technique from?"
She didn't expect him to suddenly change his expression. He had been amiable to her just now. Ye Xinxin panicked and didn't know what she had done wrong.
"I... I learned it from several old masters. They were specially found by my elders at home. Your Majesty, is there something wrong?"
As she asked, her mind was racing.
Sure enough, that little bitch definitely wouldn't be so kind. She must be plotting against her behind her back. It seemed that she should teach her a lesson.
If she was punished today, tomorrow, she would go to that bitch's place and make her pay the price.
He had only seen this kind of technique on one person. The young emperor knew better than anyone who it was.
He stood up and stared closely at the person behind him. "It's nothing. I'm not feeling well today. I'll leave first. You go to bed early."
After saying that, he flung his sleeves and walked out.
Watching the figure getting farther and farther away, Ye Xinxin stamped her foot angrily. She had finally got the chance to spend the night with the emperor, but it was ruined by that little bitch.
The more she thought about it, the more she couldn't swallow this anger.
"Someone! Bring my clothes. I'm going out!"
Soon, Ye Xinxin, who had changed her clothes, broke into He Hui's palace in the middle of the night.
She directly dragged the person sleeping on the bed up and slapped her.
"How dare you plot against me!"
The person who had been suddenly woken up was still half-asleep and didn't know what was going on.
She looked at the person who had suddenly broken in with bleary eyes and got angry at this moment.
"What are you doing, elder sister? Have I done something wrong to you? If elder sister doesn't like me, you can just say so. There's no need to act like this."
"You still don't know what you've done wrong. It seems that I should teach you a lesson. Someone! Go and get the whip I brought with me when I entered the palace."
Hearing this, He Hui woke up completely. Her eyes were clear, and she gritted her teeth.
"Elder sister, if you have any grievances, you can just say it. There's no need to take it out on me. If tonight's incident gets into the ears of the empress dowager and others, even if elder sister has a powerful backer, it won't be easy for you."
Although Ye Xinxin thought these words made sense, she still felt that her face was on the line. So she could only take the whip handed over by the maid first.
"I did as you said and gave the emperor a massage. But as soon as I started, the emperor left! Tell me! Did you plan it all? I knew no one would be willing to give up the favor they've got. Little bitch, you dared to plot against me behind my back. Today, I'll teach you a lesson."
The whip was about to fall. At the critical moment, He Hui summoned up her courage and grabbed the whip.
"Calm down, elder sister. I know you're angry now. I'm innocent in this matter. Please tell me in detail so that I can know where I went wrong."