Chapter 26

In the palace, there is a royal kitchen, but given Xiao Xixi's status as a concubine, the rations she receives are limited. Moreover, the people in the royal kitchen love to flatter those in high positions and look down on those in low ones. Seeing that Xiao Xixi had not met the Crown Prince even after half a year in the palace, they assumed she was destined for the cold palace and completely ignored her.

Every time Baoqin went to the royal kitchen to fetch food, part of it would be withheld, and she would be treated with disdain, suffering a lot of humiliation.

Over time, Xiao Xixi stopped sending Baoqin to the royal kitchen.

After all, there was a small kitchen in the Qingge Hall, and Baoqin was an excellent cook. Xiao Xixi could just have Baoqin prepare whatever she wanted to eat.

The aroma of chicken wafted through the air, making Xiao Xixi's mouth water.

She silently hoped the Crown Prince would come soon, so she could get a taste of the chicken.

Unfortunately, things did not go as she wished.

Not only did she fail to bring the Crown Prince, but she also brought Chen Liangyuan.

Chen Liangyuan was wearing a light blue robe and skirt, with a tightly tied waistband that accentuated her slender waist. Her fair and delicate face made her look both charming and alluring.

As soon as she entered, she performed a deep bow to Xiao Xixi.

"Your younger sister greets you, Elder Sister."

Xiao Xixi, who had been lying down, was now sitting up with Baoqin's help.

Hearing Chen Liangyuan's words, she blinked. "I remember you are two years older than me, so I should call you Elder Sister."

Chen Liangyuan felt that this was a mockery of her age.

She was inwardly furious but smiled sweetly. "Elder Sister is joking. Although you are younger, your rank is higher than mine, so I should call you Elder Sister."

In the Eastern Palace, the highest rank is the Crown Princess, a first-rank position.

Next are the Crown Prince's secondary consorts, second-rank positions.

Then come the concubines, third-rank positions.

Below the concubines are the ladies-in-waiting, followed by beauties, instructors, and attendants.

Chen Liangyuan knelt on a soft cushion, her skirt spreading out behind her like a blooming blue narcissus.

She secretly observed Xiao Liangdi, who was now wearing a plain robe and skirt, with no makeup, looking even more delicate than usual.

Chen Liangyuan felt a pang of jealousy and feigned concern.

"I heard that you accompanied the Crown Prince to the Empress's birthday banquet last night and were accidentally poisoned. Both Elder Sister Bai and I were very worried. Elder Sister Bai specially sent me to check on you. But seeing your rosy complexion, I suppose you should be fine, right?"

Xiao Xixi wanted to continue her convalescence and maintain her laid-back lifestyle. She must not let anyone know that she was almost fully recovered.

She immediately coughed lightly, pretending to be very weak.

"I just look okay, but my body is actually very weak. The imperial physician said that this poisoning has damaged my health, and I need a long period of rest."

She deliberately emphasized the word "rest," indicating that she needed peace and quiet and should not be disturbed, whether for a reason or not.

However, Chen Liangyuan misunderstood her.

Xiao Liangdi had been poisoned for the Crown Prince, and as long as she was not fully recovered, the Crown Prince had a reason to visit her.

Chen Liangyuan clenched her handkerchief tightly. Xiao Liangdi, that little wretch, was deliberately showing off!

She put on a false smile. "Elder Sister, since you are not well and cannot move around, you must be very bored staying in the Qingge Hall all day. I have nothing much to do, so I can come to visit you every day and keep you company. How about that?"

She didn't really care if Xiao Liangdi was bored; she just wanted an excuse to visit the Qingge Hall frequently.

Recently, the Crown Prince had been visiting the Qingge Hall often. If she came more often, she might run into the Crown Prince and have a chance to win his favor.