Tanya nodded. But she did not sleep well.

When Tanya woke up the next morning, Tiffany held a basin of clear water for Tanya to refresh herself.

It was Verdant who usually did this, so Tanya was still not accustomed to being served by another maid.

“After you finish washing up, accompany me to see the Imperial Forest Army.” Tanya’s indifferent voice drifted into Tiffany’s ears.

Tiffany was momentarily taken aback but continued her actions. “What does the Empress want to visit the Imperial Forest Army for?”

Seemingly concerned that Tanya might tire of her asking too many questions, she added, “The Imperial Forest Army is a crucial area of the harem, usually guarded by powerful troops. If there’s no suitable reason, it might be difficult to gain access.”

Tanya's gaze drifted to the ground, her eyes narrowing.

Indeed, her initial entry into the Imperial Forest Army was authorized by Heliam. But now that Heliam had taken care of everything for her, what reason did she have to seek out Alexander?

Could she only wait for Alexander to appear on his own?

A wave of disappointment washed over Tanya, which Tiffany noticed, and there was a hint of sympathy in her expression. “At tonight’s banquet, it is said that a few from the Imperial Forest Army will also be dispatched to accompany us. I’ll create a diversion for the Empress, there’s still a chance. I just wonder if the person the Empress is looking for will be among them.”

These words restored the spark in Tanya’s eyes, which had been dimmed by disappointment.

She was one hundred percent confident that Alexander would come.

Taking advantage of Tiffany’s distraction, Tanya quietly slipped the letter from Alexander that he had sent her into her sleeve, her delicate fingers lightly brushing against the wide cuff.

“Empress, come quickly and choose your long robe for today,” Tiffany urged.

Tanya selected a bright red long-sleeved dress, the pleats at her waist cascading down beautifully in layers.

After applying a touch of makeup, her already exquisite face transformed into one of breathtaking allure.

Sally had been waiting outside for a long time. According to what she said last night, she first needed to meet with Evelyn.

Evelyn had waited for a long time at the palace gate. Upon seeing Tanya approaching gracefully, she couldn’t help but smile.

“Evelyn greets my sister.” She performed a curtsy, the purple fur cloak she wore fluttering with her movement.

A gentle breeze brushed past, bringing warmth to Tanya’s face, yet she felt a chill within.

“Let’s go,” Tanya said, lifting her chin defiantly and addressing Sally.

“Please wait, sister.” Evelyn’s voice was soft and gentle, making it hard to detect her emotions. “Evelyn has greeted you, yet you don’t return the courtesy.”

Tanya knew she was deliberately causing trouble. However, with so many servants present, her previous indifference had already put on a show of superiority. Now that Evelyn shamelessly questioned her, if she continued to ignore her, it would only lead to gossip.

“Why should I return a greeting to you?”

She turned around, her voice cold, like a piece of ancient ice, with a smile completely absent from her lips.

Evelyn pouted playfully. “The palace rules dictate that even if your rank is higher than mine, when I greet you, it is proper for you to return the courtesy.”

As if that wasn’t enough, she slowly added, “Could it be that you’re so delighted to have the chance to attend the banquet with His Majesty that you’ve forgotten your manners?”

If this remark got out, it could easily brand Tanya as arrogant and unruly.

Tanya suppressed a wave of disgust, forcing a smile as she stepped closer to Evelyn, her breath as fragrant as orchids. “I already hold a higher position in the palace than you, you should show me respect.”

Evelyn’s expression changed, wanting to retort, but Tanya preemptively seized the conversation.

“Or are you now denying it and trying to force me, the empress, to give a courtesan a greeting?”

Evelyn’s expression darkened gradually, and a hint of malice flickered in her charming eyes. “Sister, what are you saying? Since we are both chosen as consorts by His Majesty, we should assist each other. Why should we worry about these formalities and damage our sisterly bond?”

Tanya’s gaze flashed, and a mocking smile crept across her lips.

“I heard from the Emperor that tonight’s banquet will gather rulers from various countries. You should not let the envoys from other nations hear this, it would give them a reason to criticize us, saying His Majesty’s women are ignorant of the rules and have abandoned propriety.”

Evelyn’s face stiffened, and the smile vanished from her lips, her eyes now filled with resentment toward Tanya.

“Evelyn has no such intention, I hope my sister can be fair with me.”

Her tone carried a hint of weakness, presenting Tanya as the one acting unjustly.

Truly a master of the green tea persona.

Tanya widened her smile, her enchanting eyes sparkling in the sunlight. A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, cascading it over her shoulders and drawing attention.

“Seeking fairness is quite simple. If my sister wishes to greet me again, I shall conveniently forget that you don’t know the rules. How about that?”

Tanya narrowed her eyes, her sly smile glimmering like the brightest star in the night sky, fully captured by Evelyn.

“Of course, if my sister does not wish to greet me, that’s fine too. I won’t force you. However,” she continued, “I wonder how this will appear in the eyes of His Majesty.”

Evelyn clenched her teeth in frustration, her lips pressed tightly together, ultimately adopting a look of grievance. “What my sister says is correct, Evelyn will greet her again.”

She emphasized the word ‘again,’ making the meaning unmistakably clear.

Tanya wasn’t about to fall behind. With a smile on her face, she bent one knee. “Sister, you’re being too formal. I’ll return this courtesy to you, in the future, don’t speak so carelessly as you have today.”