After the Empress, came Noble Concubine Shih.
Noble Concubine Shih felt displeased, so the gift she sent was quite perfunctory. She just had someone scrounge around in the small storeroom and put together a box to send over. She couldn't even be bothered to glance at it. If it was passable, that was enough. After all, that wench Lady Xia wasn't worth her effort.
Then there was Consort Ning; her attitude went without saying. They had past grievances, and she found Consort Xian Pin particularly detestable. So, she sent over a box of children's toys. With barely concealed pride, she remarked, "These are the Eldest Princess's most cherished playthings, specially prepared for the Little Prince!"
Xia Ruqing was filled with contempt and rolled her eyes inwardly. Specially prepared? Isn't it just... your daughter's hand-me-downs? To send such things was unbelievable!
