"What the hell? This bitch actually dares to talk back to me!" The voice was dangerously sweet, like a viper spitting venom. It belonged to the Empress Dowager's grandniece, Lady Wei, who strolled over with a group of maids, her eyes full of disdain as she looked at Chu Yanran.

Chu Yanran didn't even flinch. She had been through worse, and her confidence only grew with each challenge she faced. "Is there something I can help you with, Lady Wei?" Chu Yanran's tone was light, as if she had just asked about the weather.

Lady Wei's face twisted in frustration. "How dare you talk to me with such arrogance? The Emperor has given me special orders to stay in this palace, and yet you still dare to glob here, acting like you own the place."

Chu Yanran couldn't help but smirk. "Oh, is that so? The Emperor's orders? Did he specifically name me to be here?" Her words were like daggers, aimed straight at Lady Wei's pride.

Lady Wei's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't push it, girl. The Emperor favors you right now, but that doesn't mean he'll always be on your side."