They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 485 Queen
The Empress smiled and said, "I have long heard of Lady Shanci's name and know that she is the wife of Marquis Wuxuan. I even told the Emperor that Marquis Wuxuan and his wife are both great contributors to the court. I have long wanted to meet Lady Shanci. Today, I have finally met her. She is indeed extraordinary and has not disappointed me."

Xu Zhichun laughed at this, feeling a little relieved.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. I have only done what I was supposed to do."

The Empress smiled and sighed, "What Lady Liang should do is of great importance to the court and the Ming Dynasty. His Majesty is increasingly aware of this. Lady Liang's contribution may not be less than that of Marquis Wuxuan."

Xu Zhichun was somewhat shocked, never expecting the Empress to say such a thing. The Empress's words naturally reflected the Emperor's intentions as well.

She suddenly felt it was all worthwhile; she had value, and her value was being recognized.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I am truly terrified and do not deserve such praise."

"Of course I deserve it," the Empress smiled. "I rarely have anyone to talk to, but I feel so close to Madam Liang today. Madam Liang, would you like to tell me about your time at home?"

Xu Zhichun hadn't expected the Empress to be interested in these matters. She had assumed the formal audience would end quickly, and she would leave the palace. It seemed the Empress was quite interested in having a long talk with her.

As Minglang had said, the Empress was indeed gentle and kind. Xu Zhichun glanced quickly at the Empress's smiling face and couldn't help but feel a sense of closeness to her.

She thought for a moment, then picked out some interesting rural anecdotes to tell.

The Empress listened with great interest, occasionally asking questions out of curiosity, which Xu Zhichun answered one by one.

The two got along quite well and chatted back and forth.

Before they knew it, it was almost lunchtime, so the Empress decided to keep Xu Zhichun for lunch.

"Does Madam Liang have any dietary restrictions?"

Xu Zhichun smiled and shook his head: "This humble woman is willing to do anything."

"If there's something you don't like, don't force yourself."

"Yes, thank you, Queen."

The Empress had her own small kitchen, where half of her daily meals were prepared, with the Imperial Kitchen sending over three or four additional dishes.

Today, to entertain Xu Zhichun, the Empress specially instructed the Imperial Kitchen to send six dishes and two boxes of pastries, and ordered someone to find a pastry box to pack the pastries so that Xu Zhichun could take them back after lunch.

"I appreciate it today, Madam Liang, for keeping me company for half a day. The palace snacks are quite good, many of which cannot be bought outside. Madam Liang, please take them back and try them. If you like them, please remember them and tell me next time you come to the palace, and I will ask the Imperial Kitchen to prepare some more."

Xu Zhichun laughed, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will definitely try it when I get back!"

"That's right!"

After spending some time together, Xu Zhichun became less nervous and started chatting with the Empress about everyday matters.

It is said that the Emperor treats the Empress very well, and the couple are of one mind. Not only are there few concubines in the harem, but none of them can even get the Emperor's second glance. It seems that this is indeed the case.

Only those who are treated this way can have this kind of personality.

After lunch, Xu Zhichun took his leave.

The Empress ordered her maid, Xiao He, to escort her.

Unexpectedly, halfway there, a familiar palace maid came looking for Xiaohe and pulled her aside to whisper something. Xiaohe looked at Xu Zhichun with some embarrassment.

Those who could serve the Empress closely were all palace maids of some status, even if they weren't first-class maids. Xu Zhichun didn't want to offend such people, so she took the initiative to smile and say, "Miss Xiaohe, if you have something to do, you can go ahead. It's not far from the palace gate, I can go out by myself."

"Thank you, Madam Liang! Please just follow this path."

"Ok."

Xiaohe smiled and nodded at Xu Zhichun, then hurriedly left with the palace maid.

Granny Feng accompanied Xu Zhichun out of the palace. After passing through a palace gate, they encountered a group of concubines coming towards them in a long alley.

Xu Zhichun and Granny Feng quickly stepped aside to make way for the concubines and servants. When they came forward, they hurriedly curtsied and said, "Lady Xu of Wuxuan Marquis greets Your Highness."

After a while, no one called out. Xu Zhichun's knees were a little sore, and she couldn't help but look up at the concubine.

The concubine was looking down at her, their eyes met, and she let out a cold laugh.

Xu Zhichun: "."

She didn't remain completely clueless for long before she figured it out.

Looking at that face, which bears some resemblance to that of Lady Rong'an, it's pretty much confirmed.

Is this Consort Xue?
"Your Highness, may I rise now?"

"Humph."

Xu Zhichun straightened up.

Consort Xue shouted sternly, "How dare you! Who gave you permission to get up?"

Xu Zhichun: "I also bow to Her Majesty the Empress, and Her Majesty the Empress has not criticized me for anything wrong. If Consort Xue is willing to point out my mistakes, I will be extremely grateful."

Consort Xue sneered: "You dare to use the Empress to intimidate me? Is that Lady Xu? Who gave you the audacity?"

Xu Zhichun: "Your Majesty, I am only speaking the truth. You are overthinking it."

"What a sharp tongue you have! No wonder my parents suffered greatly because of you."

"Your Majesty, I have always only spoken the truth."

"How dare you! Who gave you permission to speak to me like that?"

Xu Zhichun then fell silent.

Consort Xue revealed a hint of smugness, her eyes filled with disdain.

A higher-ranking official can have absolute power, especially since she was a royal concubine while the other was merely a noblewoman. What did she amount to compared to him?

He can manipulate her however he wants.

Consort Xue looked at Xu Zhichun coldly and said, "When you bullied my parents, did you ever think about them or me? Who do you think you are to fight with me? You are not worthy to touch the Xue family's property. I advise you to return the Xue family's shops immediately. They are not yours! Also, my cousin only said a few words to you, and you have harmed him like this. Don't you feel ashamed?"

"Lady of Marquis Wuxuan, have you understood what I said?"

Granny Feng's face turned very ugly, and she couldn't help but glance at her master with worry and tension.

Even in front of the Empress, her mistress was always very respectable, but who knew that Consort Xue would dare to act like this.

Yes, she is the daughter of Marquis Rong'an and his wife.
Xu Zhichun: "I understand."

Consort Xue sneered, "That's good. It seems you're pragmatic and not stupid. Once you leave the palace, do what you need to do. Hurry up and do it. If you delay too long, I will be unhappy."

"Your Majesty's words are understood, but I do not intend to do so."

"What do you mean! Are you making fun of me?"

"Your Majesty, I never agreed to anything. Please don't misunderstand."

"Insolence! Kneel down!"

Xu Zhichun stared at her, refusing to budge an inch.

She would never kneel before anyone from the Rong'an Marquis's mansion.

Xuepin raised her hand to slap her face, but Xu Zhichun grabbed her hand.

"How dare you! Let go!"