Xia Ruqing was extremely awkward.
If it were the twenty-first century, saying "Let's be friends" would be no big deal. Now, however, their statuses were a bit strange; they were all concubines to the same man. In the palace, everyone appeared to get along on the surface—I'm good to you, you're good to me—but in reality, weren't they all just superficial 'sisterly' friendships? Bestie bonds and all that? Utter nonsense.
After a moment's hesitation, Xia Ruqing still didn't agree, offering only an awkward smile. "If... that makes you happy..."
It was her business what she wanted to be called; anyway, I'll just pretend I didn't hear...
Honored Lady Xi, however, was quite excited. She pulled Honored Lady Lan over, laughing happily. "Now we'll have even more company!"
Honored Lady Lan was also very pleased. She was indifferent, really—the more the merrier, right?
Honored Lady Xi added, "Elder Sister Xia, do you live at Zhaohua Pavilion? Can we come over and play with you?"
