eurekapd Chapter 353 Yunxi
Chapter 353 Yunxi
Time passed silently, the weather became colder and colder, and the biting north wind whistled through every corner of the Forbidden City.
When the October bell rang, the eunuchs and maids in each palace began to get busy, moving charcoal basins and fire baskets into the palace. Soon, the house was filled with a warm atmosphere, dispelling the severe cold of winter.
The concubines also changed into winter clothes, with a circle of snow-white fox fur on the collar and cuffs. The furry touch not only brought warmth, but also added a bit of cuteness and charm.
In Jingren Palace, several large fire baskets stood in the middle of the open space, making the palace warm.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen!"
"Everyone, sit down!"
The queen was dressed in a bright yellow phoenix robe and looked dignified. She then looked at the concubines.
Below, the two imperial concubines Zhen Huan and Shen Meizhuang sat in the first seats, one on the left and one on the right, with elegant manners and noble bearing.
Feng Ruozhao and Qi Yuebin were below them, with proper smiles on their faces.
An Lingrong straightened her back, clenched her teeth, puffed out her cheeks slightly, and tried hard to suppress the urge to yawn again and again.
Concubine Zhen opposite blinked her clear big eyes, looked at Concubine Xi, then at Concubine Hui, secretly wondering which one to please first.
Concubine Mu sat properly, with her hands folded on her knees, a smile on her face, and a gentle and lovely look.
Concubine Xin looked at the empty seat opposite her with a bright smile on her face.
At the very end, Kang Changzai was hiding his head and pretending to be a coward.
The queen sighed and turned her gaze to Shen Meizhuang again.
At this moment, Shen Meizhuang was already eight months pregnant. She was wearing a loose yet gorgeous brocade palace dress, and her bulging belly carried the hope of a new life.
She sat quietly on the chair, her posture still maintaining her usual elegance. Even though she was unable to move, her innate gentleness and dignity never faded.
"Noble Concubine Hui, Noble Concubine Xi has given birth, and the entire palace is waiting for your good news!"
Shen Meizhuang bowed slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
The queen still maintained that dignified smile on her face, but the smile did not reach her eyes.
She cast her gaze upon Zhen Huan again, a subtle gleam in her eyes, and then asked, "Noble Concubine Xi, how are the Seventh Prince and the Princess?"
Zhen Huan also did not stand up: "Reporting to the Queen, they are all fine."
The queen's smile deepened. "If you have time, please bring them to see me often!"
Zhen Huan listened to her words, lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then raised her head, still with a proper smile on her face, and responded, "I had originally planned to do so, but the Emperor said that the weather has been getting colder recently, and asked them to stay out less to avoid catching a cold. I dare not neglect the heir!"
The Queen sighed, "The Emperor truly loves the Seventh Prince. This palace sees him doting on her even more than when the Sixth Prince was born!"
Clearly sowing discord.
An Lingrong listened to their conversation, and her sleepy body instantly became more alert. She looked at the expressions of Zhen Huan and Shen Meiyu.
Seeing that their expressions did not change, he knew that they did not take the Queen's words to heart, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhen Huan could understand the implication of her words and said, "The Emperor has a loving fatherly heart and loves all his children deeply."
"Noble Concubine Xi is right! The Emperor has been very busy with state affairs lately. If he has neglected the Sixth Prince, Noble Concubine Hui must be more considerate of the Emperor!"
Shen Meizhuang replied modestly, "Your Majesty, that's not true. Your Majesty prioritizes state affairs, which is a blessing for the people of the world. How dare I, Hexi Guifei, sacrifice personal interests for the sake of public service?"
"Noble Concubine Hui has always been considerate of the overall situation, which is truly commendable. I am relieved to have the concubines and children in your care."
"I thank the Empress for the compliments. By the way, a few days ago, the eunuch in charge of Xiefang Palace reported that the weather had turned cold, and that the Third Prince had caught a cold. It must be that the servant by his side wasn't taking good care of him. So, I took the initiative and sent that servant away, and let the Third Prince choose someone he liked to serve him."
"You..." The Queen was a little annoyed, but she didn't show it on her face. "Noble Concubine Hui is truly dedicated to her duties!"
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. The Third Prince is the Emperor's eldest son, and he is personally raised by the Empress. Of course, I must pay more attention to him."
After paying their respects, the concubines dispersed.
Coming out of Jingren Palace, Shen Meizhuang said with a smile on her face, "It's been a while since we've walked together. The sun is shining brightly today, would you please accompany me for a walk?"
"Okay!" Zhen Huan and An Lingrong responded almost in unison, their tone cheerful.
After saying that, the two of them carefully supported Shen Meizhuang, one on each side, and slowly walked towards the imperial garden.
The winter sun pours down, giving their figures a golden edge, warm and beautiful.
The three of them walked slowly along the winding palace path. An Lingrong tilted her head slightly and looked at Zhen Huan: "Sister Zhen, how is Yu Rao doing lately? I haven't seen her for a while."
Zhen Huan heard this and smiled helplessly: "She has been whispering in my ear several times, wanting to go and play with you, but every time she asked Xiao Yunzi to invite you, you were not in Yonghe Palace."
"Yeah! I was a bit busy the past few days, but it's better now. I've taught Su Ye everything. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll just go every few days!"
Zhen Huan's smile grew even wider. "Okay, then you and Sister Mei should go to Yongshou Palace for dinner today. I'll have a few drinks with you."
"Okay!" An Lingrong responded cheerfully, then asked, "As for the Emperor..."
When this was mentioned, the bright smile on Zhen Huan's face disappeared instantly, replaced by a deep look of disgust and helplessness.
She bit her lower lip lightly, taking a moment to calm down before speaking. "He came to Yongshou Palace several times and specifically asked Yurao to come and greet him. Anyone could see through his intentions. I really had no choice but to use the excuse that Yurao was sick to avoid him, but he even gave her all kinds of gifts."
At this point, a hint of anger flashed in Zhen Huan's eyes, and she clenched the handkerchief in her hand.
The evil spirit will never die.
Shen Meizhuang was a little worried: "Did he tell you about this?"
Zhen Huan shook her head. "He didn't say it explicitly, but he tried several times, and I rejected him. What I'm most worried about now is that the Imperial Household Department will add Yu Rao to the list of candidates for next year's selection. If that happens, there will be no room for maneuver!"
An Lingrong knew a little about the selection process: "Isn't it enough for an Eight Banners family to have one daughter participate in the selection?"
"Yes! But now I am nominally a member of the Niuhulu clan, so it is only natural for Yurao to enter the palace for the selection. I am afraid that this is what the emperor is planning."
Dog Emperor, you want to change your approach!
Seeing that both of them were filled with anger, An Lingrong muttered to herself, "Yunxi, why haven't you shown up yet? If you don't show up soon, your wife will become your sister-in-law!"