“I am, of course, a thousand times sincere to Your Highness!” Harris glared, “I just can’t stand your kind of *** seductive vixen. People like you are simply unworthy to serve Your Highness!”

“Sister He, please watch your words.”

Henry Faulkner immediately put on an extremely alarmed expression, raised her hand in a silencing gesture, and interrupted her.

Harris was startled by her, frowned, and was about to speak when she heard Henry Faulkner say:

“Though I may be lacking, I was also properly selected and entered the Eastern Palace according to the will. If you say I am unworthy to serve Your Highness, isn’t that saying the Emperor, the Empress, and even the late Emperor made a mistake in their decision? That’s not something to say lightly!”

As Henry Faulkner spoke, she wore a look of friendly reminder, which made Grace Harris feel utterly disgusted.

Grace Harris had always been hot-tempered and favored, and looked down on someone of Henry Faulkner’s status. Now, being accused like this, how could she possibly hold back?

She immediately prepared to act.

But Helen Bennett, standing nearby, was quick to react, instantly stepping between the two and speaking with a smile.

“Look at what Sister Fang said, it’s not that serious. Grace Harris didn’t sleep well last night and isn’t feeling well, so it’s natural she’s a bit irritable. Even real sisters living under the same roof argue sometimes, let alone us, who have just started living together. Sister He may have a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Sister Fang, don’t be upset. We still have to go pay respects to Crown Princess; let’s not be late.”

She was clearly trying to mediate.

Her words were quite skillful.

She first made excuses for Harris, then pointed out that everyone would be living together under one roof and needed to get along, and finally brought up Crown Princess to add weight.

No matter what the conflict, if you’re late to pay respects to Crown Princess, there will be consequences. Which is more important, everyone knows.

Henry Faulkner glanced at Helen Bennett and immediately understood her intentions.

A smile appeared on her face as well.

“Little Bennett is right, let’s go pay respects to Crown Princess first.”

With that, she stepped aside to let Grace Harris walk ahead.

Defending oneself is one thing, but there’s no need to make an enemy for life. This was her way of taking a step back and lowering her head.

Harris snorted coldly, glared at her again, then flung her sleeves and walked ahead.

Henry Faulkner didn’t mind much. People like Harris who are loud and brash are actually less formidable than those like Helen Bennett, who seem gentle but hide sharpness beneath softness.

They arrived at Wutong Courtyard.

When Crown Princess came out, she didn’t look well and seemed a bit tired.

Consort Baker showed concern, “Your Highness, did you catch a chill last night? You don’t seem well. Please take care of yourself—you are the backbone of all us sisters.”

“I’m fine, just feeling a bit unwell because of my period, an old problem. No need to worry.” Crown Princess smiled gently.

She then turned to Grace Carter.

“It rained last night and the weather turned cooler. The eldest young master is still young and frail, so he must be carefully looked after. Don’t let him catch cold.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The eldest young master already has extra bedding and clothes, and I am watching over him.” Grace Carter quickly replied.

Crown Princess nodded, then looked at the others and spoke softly.

“My health has never been good, and Your Highness has few heirs—right now, only the eldest young master. You must all serve Your Highness well and strive to give him more children as soon as possible. No matter who it is, anyone who bears a son or daughter for Your Highness will be a great contributor to the Eastern Palace. Both I and Your Highness will reward you generously.”

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately stood up and responded with a bow.

Crown Princess really didn’t seem well, and after a few more words, she dismissed everyone.

Henry Faulkner watched her slender figure, supported by a maid as she entered the inner room, and couldn’t help but feel thoughtful.

Since entering the Eastern Palace, Crown Princess’s presence had truly been minimal.

Aside from seeing her during morning greetings, there was no news from Wutong Courtyard at other times—she seemed completely detached from worldly affairs.

If Consort Baker was friendly and never fought or competed, then Crown Princess was someone who, aside from managing household affairs, didn’t get involved in anything.

Even so, Crown Prince still respected her greatly and protected her in every way.

That was probably one of the reasons why, despite not being favored, her position remained secure.

After all, she came from a noble family—her father was not only Pei Yao’s Grand Tutor but also the current Right Prime Minister. Such a background was enough to overshadow all the women in the Eastern Palace.

Thinking of this, Henry Faulkner sighed inwardly.

She had no family to rely on, and might even be dragged down by them. Instead, the most unstable favor from Crown Prince was her greatest support.

“What are you thinking about, so lost in thought?”

Baker’s voice came from beside her. Henry Faulkner snapped out of her thoughts and saw her smiling at her.

“It’s nothing, I just didn’t expect that Her Highness Crown Princess has the same problem as me—feeling unwell during her period.” Henry Faulkner said casually.

At this, Baker glanced around and then lowered her voice.

“Her Highness’s illness isn’t the same as yours. It’s not convenient to talk here—let’s walk and talk.”

Hearing there was gossip, Henry Faulkner put on a curious look and followed Baker’s pace.