Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing's chief eunuchs, seeing their mistresses being bullied, immediately stepped forward to seek retribution. They scanned the surroundings, naturally not daring to offend the Empress.
However, those two young servants, they could still discipline. Their eyes glinted as they lunged forward in unison, grabbing Xiao Anzi and Xiao Nianzi. Each seizing one, they slapped them hard and spoke with venom.
"You dog servant, didn't you see Noble Consort Shu and Noble Consort De standing for so long? You didn't even bother to move out seating stools."
Xiao Anzi and Xiao Nianzi's faces immediately swelled, indicating the chief eunuchs had used their full strength.
Seeing their servants had avenged them, Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing's expressions softened. They feigned sternness and reprimanded their servants.
"Audacious! To be so presumptuous in front of the Empress. Had the Empress not been magnanimous and overlooked it, you would have paid dearly," Lou Sijing spoke first, calculating that by saying this, what else could the ugly woman retort with.
She felt a surge of smugness, unaware that Liu Liu was never one to play by the rules.
She was the type who, once she deemed someone a friend, would not let anyone bully them. Thus, her expression suddenly darkened, and a chilling aura emanated from her, her eyes filled with an icy, bone-chilling coldness.
"Xiao Anzi, go immediately and summon Grand Eunuch Jiang Cheng to Huaqing Palace. I want to question him thoroughly on how these two curs were raised."
As Liu Liu finished speaking, Xiao Anzi had already dashed off. The once arrogant figures turned pale upon hearing the Empress's words, already regretting their impulsive actions.
They all knew the Grand Eunuch was exceptionally good to the Empress. Those twenty-odd people who had refused to serve the Empress were still toiling in the laundry room, and anywhere they went, they would likely suffer greatly, if not perish.
Upon hearing Liu Liu's words, Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing almost choked with anger. They had come today intending to put this woman in her place, but the situation had backfired; before they could assert dominance, they were about to be angered to death by this ugly woman.
Seeing that she was unyielding, their words were useless. If the Grand Eunuch arrived later and punished their respective chief eunuchs, they would lose face. It would be better to beg this woman now.
Jin Jiali's exquisitely beautiful face was etched with a cautious light. "Empress, please calm your anger. This servant truly deserves death. I will discipline him thoroughly when I take him back, ensuring he never dares to be presumptuous again."
Lou Sijing was not to be outdone. As soon as Jin Jiali finished speaking, she immediately chimed in, "Yes, Empress. It is our failure in guidance. This time, I will skin him alive when I return."
Liu Liu looked at the two women's affected demeanor. They were beautiful, yet they lacked kind souls, possessing only outward appearances. She seemed not to hear their words, lowering her head to fiddle with her hair.
Grand Eunuch Jiang Cheng, upon receiving Xiao Anzi's report, rushed over, leading a large contingent of eunuchs into Huaqing Palace.
The atmosphere in Huaqing Palace became exceptionally oppressive with Jiang Cheng's arrival. The air was filled with a killing chill, making even the two consorts, Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing, feel uneasy.
They had received guidance from Noble Consort Xiu Yi, who had warned them that Jiang Cheng was a ruthless character who recognized no one. Therefore, it was best to provoke him as little as possible.
Moreover, they had not yet been favored by the Emperor, holding only titles without any real power. They had initially intended to win over Jiang Cheng's influence, but after listening to Noble Consort Xiu Yi, they dared not act rashly.
However, once the Emperor favored them, they could cultivate their own forces. For now, it was best to proceed with caution.
Jiang Cheng, taking three small steps and then two large ones, crossed to Liu Liu and respectfully bowed. "Your servant greets the Empress. May I know what the Empress wishes to command?"
Jiang Cheng scanned the scene in Huaqing Palace and had already guessed some of the situation. It seemed the two soon-to-be-favored consorts had come to intimidate. However, he trusted the Empress would not let them gain any advantage. A sharp glint flashed in his lowered eyes.
"Jiang Cheng, how have you been managing this Grand Eunuch position in the harem? Look at this harem, what has it become? Two servants have dared to strike my eunuchs in Huaqing Palace. Is this your rule for managing the harem?" Liu Liu looked at Jiang Cheng coldly. Jiang Cheng replied with unswerving sincerity.
"Replying to the Empress, it is my inadequacy in managing the harem. I beg the Empress's punishment."
Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing stared at the scene before them, dumbfounded. Did this dog servant have any foresight? This woman was clearly destined for the cold palace, yet he, who was said to be very astute, didn't know to flatter them.
Liu Liu looked at Jiang Cheng's demeanor, somewhat perplexed. Although she wasn't afraid of Jiang Cheng, his actions truly unsettled her, usually calm self. Considering his current behavior and his past care for her, she spoke with a softened expression.
"Jiang Cheng, it is understandable that managing such a large harem is difficult for one person. However, I want these two servants properly disciplined, so they know what this place truly is."
Hearing Liu Liu's words, Jiang Cheng's mind churned with emotions. The image of a flower-like face flashed in his mind, and his eyes misted over. He lowered his head for a long moment, finally dispelling his thoughts and resuming his cold, expressionless demeanor as Grand Eunuch. He nodded. "Your servant thanks the Empress."
After saying this, Jiang Cheng turned to face the two chief eunuchs behind Noble Consort Shu and Noble Consort De. He bared his lips in a cold smile, his expression somewhat terrifying. Those two servants were once Jiang Cheng's capable subordinates. Upon seeing his expression, they understood his current anger and immediately knelt down, desperately kowtowing for mercy.
"Grand Eunuch, spare my life! Your servant will never dare again! Empress, spare my life! Your servant will never dare again!"
Jiang Cheng raised his hand, and several eunuchs stepped forward, dragging the two eunuchs away.
Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing's faces were now pale, their breathing rapid. In this situation, even though their hearts were filled with hatred, they dared not show it and had to force a smile.
"These two servants do deserve a good lesson. They dare to bully the Empress's people; they are truly lawless."
Liu Liu looked at the two women's ashen faces, finding them both infuriating and pitiable. She waved her hand and said, "Noble Consort Shu and Noble Consort De, please take everyone back. You may not be tired, but I am."
Jin Jiali and Lou Sijing gritted their teeth. They had conceded defeat today, but there would be many more days. They refused to believe they couldn't contend with this ugly woman. They led a group of concubines in a graceful bow.
Some of the more intelligent concubines felt a sense of dread. The struggles had already begun upon entering the palace. For those of lower status, they would only become pawns in these women's disputes. Entering the palace was truly terrifying; one might lose their life.
"We bid farewell."
Liu Liu watched as they arrived with high spirits only to leave dejectedly, like drowned rats. A smile touched her lips as she looked at Jiang Cheng, genuinely curious about why he always protected her. "Jiang Cheng, I ask you, why do you always protect me? I am not the Emperor's favorite, and I might be deposed soon."