I died tragically in my previous life, and I want to be an empress in my next life

On the second day, the servants of the whole palace were all saying that Xiao Cui was going to become Xuanyuan Ping's concubine. This news spread like a gust of wind, quickly spreading to every corner of the palace.

Many maids and old women tried to fawn on Xiao Cui when they saw her, as if she was already a future concubine and her status was about to rise.

Xiao Cui herself also became distracted and began to look forward to the wonderful life after becoming a concubine. She imagined herself wearing gorgeous clothes, wearing exquisite jewelry, and enjoying the wealth and splendor of the palace.

In Yuxiang Pavilion, Pei Zhixuan had just experienced a bout of morning sickness. She looked as if she had just gone through a battle. Her face was as pale as bloodless paper, and her eyes revealed deep fatigue.

Her hair was a little messy and stuck to her forehead, adding a touch of fragility to her beauty.

Mother Xu looked at her with a heart full of distress. She hurriedly handed her a cup of warm water and said softly, "Second Miss, rinse your mouth first, you may feel better now."

Pei Zhixuan took the cup of water and rinsed her mouth. The warm water washed through her mouth, taking away a slight feeling of nausea.

"Second Miss, please be patient. Everything will be fine in a few days." Mother Xu comforted her softly.

Mother Xu gently picked up a small dish of candied fruit prepared on the side and handed it to Pei Zhixuan, hoping that these sweet snacks could slightly relieve her discomfort.

It took Pei Zhixuan a while to recover.

At this time, Mother Xu frowned and said to Pei Zhixuan worriedly, "Second Miss, Xiao Cui seems to have some thoughts. She was a little absent-minded when she came back from Yimei Garden yesterday. I'm afraid she has been bewitched by the rumor."

Pei Zhixuan held the teacup in her hand, thinking of what happened last night, and snorted coldly, "This restless thing actually dared to have unreasonable thoughts! Thinking that a sparrow can turn into a phoenix, what a joke."

"However, Second Miss, speaking of this, in the future, your health will become worse, and it will be inconvenient for you to serve the prince. After all, Xiao Cui is one of us..."

Before Mother Xu finished her words, Pei Zhixuan decisively interrupted her, "No! I will never let such a person stay with the prince."

"Her intentions are not pure. If she really becomes a concubine, there is no guarantee that there won't be some trouble. I will never let this happen."

How could she accept others sharing the prince's favor, especially her own maid? Would she be made equal to herself in the future? This was absolutely impossible.

Men always get tired of the old and love the new. My aunt has been with my father for more than ten years. Even after my father had Cui Yue'e, he still let Cui torture my aunt. I can't follow in my aunt's footsteps.

"Then let the girl stay out for a few days to let her rest, and I will give her a beating as well." Mother Xu said.

"Mother Xu, please pick a smart girl later. If Xiao Cui is not good enough, you can't keep her." Pei Zhixuan's words revealed ruthlessness and decisiveness.

She would not give Xiao Cui the opportunity to threaten her position in the palace. If Xiao Cui really did not behave herself, then she would not be able to keep her.

What she needed was a loyal and reliable maid, not a concubine with ulterior motives.

"Yes, Second Miss." Mother Xu replied.

Plum Garden

"Miss, I heard that Xiao Cui hasn't been to Concubine Xuan's room to serve for several days." As soon as Yin Liu returned to the room, she excitedly reported to Pei Zhiyan.

Pei Zhiyan raised her eyebrows when she heard this, playing with the teacup on the table. This was expected. Pei Zhixuan was so proud and arrogant, how could she tolerate a little maid sharing the same man with her?

If Xiao Cui could become Xuanyuan Ping's concubine, she would be half a master in the mansion. If she had a child, she would have someone to rely on in the future.

The two of them had their own thoughts, and Pei Zhiyan saw through them. Pei Zhixuan wanted to maintain her status and favor, while Xiaocui wanted to climb up the social ladder and change her fate. Where was the deep love between master and servant?

Pei Zhiyan waved her hand and Yin Liu came over. Pei Zhiyan whispered something to her and Yin Liu nodded as she listened.

After Pei Zhiyan finished speaking, she added lightly, "Pay more attention to the movements over there these days."

"Yes, miss." Yinliu responded.

On this day, Xiao Cui had just come out of Yuxiangxie and was going to the big kitchen to get some hot water. She happened to walk near a rockery. She originally planned to walk directly over, but she vaguely heard two little maids chattering about something.

Out of curiosity, Xiao Cui slowed down her pace. She vaguely heard words like "Prince" and "Concubine", and was startled. What were these little maids talking about? Could it be related to the things in the palace?

A strong curiosity surged in Xiao Cui's heart, and she decided to quietly walk behind the rockery to eavesdrop. She carefully walked around the rockery and hid behind a large rock, trying not to make any noise.

"I heard that the princess is already looking for a concubine for the prince." One of the maids said with a hint of mystery in her voice.

Xiao Cui almost dropped the kettle in her hand when she heard this. She was flustered for a moment, but she calmed down and continued to listen.

"Really?" another maid asked curiously.

"Of course it's true. I heard it with my own ears from Sister Yinliu who is beside the princess. She said that she wanted to find a maid in the mansion who knows her background and is innocent." The first maid replied.

"Haha, who would have such good fortune?" the little maid said enviously.

"I heard that the princess has taken a fancy to our sister Xiao Cui. She is beautiful and smart. The prince will definitely like her when he sees her. It's a pity that Concubine Xuan doesn't agree." Another maid said regretfully.

"Sister Xiao Cui is young and beautiful. Concubine Xuan is probably afraid that Sister Xiao Cui will take away her favor." The first maid guessed.

"Hush! Don't say that." Another maid immediately reminded her, "But, having said that, I do feel sorry for Sister Xiao Cui. Such a good opportunity was missed."

"Actually, this is not difficult. If Sister Xiao Cui has the same idea, she might as well go and ask the princess in person. Perhaps things can turn around." The first maid suggested.

Xiao Cui's hands trembled slightly as she held the kettle, and she felt an unprecedented courage in her heart. She thought about her future and the opportunity that might change her fate.

Although the princess and the concubine are sisters, the relationship between them is not harmonious. Since the princess has already chosen me, I will take the initiative to find her, maybe I can really change my fate.

Thinking of this, Xiao Cui made up her mind that she must not miss this opportunity no matter what. She could not let Concubine Xuan's opposition become a stumbling block for her.

So she hurriedly filled the pot with hot water, put down the kettle, and ran towards the Yimei Garden.