"Her Majesty the Empress, you mustn't!" Concubine Tai Lv exclaimed in shock, rising abruptly and speaking out without regard for decorum.
The support from her family outside the palace for Concubine Tai Lv had long since ceased, and now all her silver coins came from her palace allowance. To exchange it all for worthless steamed buns and cotton quilts would cut off her financial source — how would she live in Shoukang Palace then!
Upon realizing her breach of conduct, Concubine Tai Lv quickly forced a smile and explained, "I misspoke earlier, never have I lacked food or clothing; those words were said in jest. I beg Consort not to take them to heart."
"Jest, is it?" Lian Hua put away her smile, her complexion slowly turning cold, "Concubine Tai Lv, I look after you, yet you claim it's jest, treating me as what? Unaware, some might even think His Majesty and I have treated you poorly."
