Noble Concubine Shih looked at Xia Ruqing with a faint gaze and sneered. "To ensure fairness, let none of us interfere. Let the people from the Imperial Kitchen conduct the search. Do you dare?"
Xia Ruqing laughed. "Noble Consort jests! As everyone knows, Your Highness oversees The Six Palaces, and the Imperial Kitchen is among them! Since Your Highness dares, why would I be afraid?"
Noble Concubine Shih snorted coldly, saying no more. She simply commanded, "People from Xifu Palace and Qingya Residence are not allowed to participate; have them all withdraw!" After speaking, she cast a triumphant glance at Xia Ruqing.
Xia Ruqing also said nothing more, simply standing there. Just as the atmosphere quieted, a Little Eunuch called out from outside, "Eunuch Li is here!"
A moment later, Li Shengan entered with a few of his trusted young disciples, a dust whisk in hand. Seeing both Consorts seated, Li Shengan hurriedly paid his respects.
