Neither Noble Consort Duan-Xian nor Little Madam Xia was stupid. They only dared to interact so intimately because they knew that the Empress did not mind.
The two of them walked around their respective courtyards hand in hand before going to Qu River Pavilion. By then, it was already filled with dolled-up imperial concubines.
The Empress and Mu Yangling had yet to appear.
As Noble Consort Duan-Xian stood at the side and watched, she smiled at Little Madam Xia and said, "I'm afraid His Majesty won't bring us concubines out of the palace again after this."
Little Madam Xia comforted her dryly, "No, His Majesty has to have someone to serve him when he leaves the palace."
"Having too many such people will only bring trouble. Besides, His Majesty only likes to bring the Empress when he leaves the palace. He knows the benefits of having fewer people around."
Little Madam Xia didn't know how to comfort her.
