After reading the documents sent by Ji Cheng, Zhao Ming vaguely grasped the objective of these monthly meetings and how things work in the harem.

When it was almost time for the meeting, she put everything aside and got dressed in the light blue colored royal dress that Ji Cheng had sent for her.

When she changed into the dress, she realized how beautiful this dress is. This color not only complimented her complexion but also fitted her body perfectly.

It was not too long neither too loose, that's why she doesn't even need to alter this dress. The dress had the perfect length, so she could easily walk in this one without falling.

She put the matching earrings and rings. This time, she didn't style her hair in an updo but did her hair in a french braid because it would look beautiful with this outfit.

She knows that Empress needs to style her hair in a neat updo but it's only compulsory when she attends the public gatherings.

However, this was the internal meeting of the harem, so she can get ready as she wants.

" Miss, you look really beautiful. No doubt, his majesty wanted to wear this dress to the meeting." Lu shi was in awe when she saw Zhao Ming glad in the dress.

" He really has good eyesight."

Zhao Ming smiled when she heard Lu shi's words.

" And you have a good mouth." She chuckled as she complimented Lu shi for her sweet tongue.

Zhao Ming left her chamber to the main palace when it was time for the meeting because Ji Cheng's study was in the main Palace.

The weather was surprisingly not hot today. She could feel the light breeze even in the noon time.

Looks like it's going to rain soon.

...

When Zhao Ming reached the palace, the guards greeted her respectfully.

Zhao Ming nodded at them and walked inside the palace walking towards the study room followed by Lu shi.

When Zhao Ming entered the study room, she was surprised that the significant changes were made to the study room to convert it into a meeting room.

The small table was removed and was replaced by a large table. There were several chairs around it and there was a large royal chair in the centre of the table.

Everything was perfect. But..

The strange thing was that the study room was empty. No one had arrived yet.

It was already the time for the meeting and no one was in the sight.

She is the Empress and yet she has to wait for everyone. They were clearly disregarding her authority by coming here late.

" Miss, no one has come yet. Will they even come here?" Lu shi said in a low voice.

She was worried that others might ignore her order and doesn't even show up here. If no one came for the meeting, then it will be very embarrassing for Zhao Ming.

Zhao Ming sat on the chair in the centre. She looked up at Lu shi and smiled.

" Don't worry. They will come." she closed her eyes and leaned back on the chair.

" But.." before Lu shi could complete her words, she heard a pair of footsteps approaching.

" Greeting to the Empress. I apologize for making you wait." Jia Shi politely bowed in front of her.

Zhao Ming opened her eyes when she heard a familiar voice.

Zhao Ming was pleased with her attitude. She wasn't friendly but she wasn't rude either.

She remembered that this was the same woman who has supported her at the Banquet.

In the whole Palace, other than Zhao Ming, only this girl doesn't have a good relationship with Xiao Li.

" Consort Jia Shi '' Zhao Ming warmly smiled at the woman in front of her who was clad in a simple yet elegant pink colored outfit which gave her feminine and elegant look.

After exchanging greetings, Zhao Ming gestured to Jia Shi to sit on the chair next to her.

" Empress Zhao Ming, how come you changed the venue for the meeting suddenly?" Jia shi asked as she looked around. She pursed her lips realizing that other than her no one has arrived yet.

Zhao Ming smiled and replied, " It's been so long that we are holding a meeting at the orchid pavilion. I thought that it's time to make some changes. "

Jia shi smiled as if understanding the meaning behind her words and did not say anything.

Zhao Ming raised her brows in interest as she saw that Jia shi did not ask anything further. Seems like she does not like to talk much.

They waited for some time and no one said a word during that time. There was the awkward silence between the two.

...

After waiting for almost more than an hour, other consorts started coming one by one. They greeted Zhao Ming because of formality otherwise they wouldn't have bothered to do so.

That's why Zhao Ming didn't even acknowledge their greetings and didn't nod at them. She just quietly drank her tea without bothering with them.

Jia shi was drinking her tea as well and was amused seeing Zhao Ming's attitude. Zhao Ming didn't even acknowledge their existence and continued in her own world.

" Hmph, did you see that? She has become so arrogant. She didn't even respond to my greeting. Didn't I tell you before, she only pretends to be nice. But now she has let go of her mask and was showing her true colors." the consort who was sitting far away from Zhao Ming said in a low voice to the consort next to her.

Zhao Ming glanced at the woman and let out a chuckle as she heard her words.

She remembered seeing this girl at the Banquet. She was the sidekick of Xiao Li.

Even though she was sitting far from her, she could clearly hear her words just like other people in the room.

Everyone could hear her words but was pretending to not to.

Xie Mei's voice was not too low because she never bothered about Zhao Ming before.

She never considered Zhao Ming's feelings before because she has Xiao Li's support and knows that it's beneficial to be on Xiao Li's side.

' Hah, continue your drama. I will show you how much I have changed in a while.' Zhao Ming didn't bother anyone and swirled the tea cup in her hand.

" You're right. She looks so beautiful. She looks like a completely different person. " the consort next to her was busy admiring Zhao Ming's outfit and jewelry.

" Hah. She's not that beautiful. Sister Xiao Li is more beautiful and elegant than her. She also has much more expensive and beautiful dresses than her. After all, Sister Xiao Li is the princess of L country. " Xie Mei shamelessly keeps calling Xiao Li her sister to show off her proximity to her.

Jia shi was worried that Zhao Ming would be hurt after hearing all these words but when she saw that she was smiling, she felt that she was worrying too much.

She has seen in the past few days that Zhao Ming has changed a lot. She was not the same conservative and simple girl.

Instead she has become bold and more exotic than before. She has started to get dressed up more than before and never heeds to others' words much.

##

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