eurekapd Chapter 216: Jin Xi
Chapter 216: Jin Xi
As the two were talking, Xiao Luzi trotted up to the second floor and reported, "My lady, Aunt Jinxi is here!"
An Lingrong put down the embroidery frame and said, "Please ask her to come up!"
Not long after, Jin Xi's graceful figure appeared at the stairwell. She was dressed in a simple, elegant dress, her figure graceful and her steps calm. She walked steadily towards An Lingrong, her skirt swaying gently with her movements. Then, she knelt slightly in greeting and said softly, "Your servant greets Miss Wen!"
"No need to be so polite!" An Lingrong replied softly, then turned to look at Liu Zhu beside her and waved her hand gently. Liu Zhu understood and quietly retreated, leaving the space to the two of them.
After Liu Zhu left, An Lingrong spoke gently, "Thank you for coming here, Aunt."
Jin Xi replied respectfully, "My lady, you are so kind! It is my honor to serve you!"
An Lingrong gently lifted the delicately patterned teacup on the table. Her fair fingers contrasted beautifully with the cup, making her look even more graceful. She took a sip of the fragrant tea, then frowned slightly and asked, "How is Sister Zhen?"
"Empress Wanpin is doing well, please rest assured!"
"Where's Su Ye? Didn't she cause you any trouble?"
"Miss Su Ye has taken good care of Concubine Wan with all her heart. Bitong Academy is very grateful to her, and we are even more grateful for the young lady's kindness."
"Sister Zhen and I are like sisters, we should take care of each other!"
The two of them chatted as if they were daily friends, asking and answering each other, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.
After saying this, An Lingrong suddenly changed the subject: "Where is your aunt from?"
This sudden question made Jin Xi stunned for a moment, but she quickly recovered and replied with a smile, "I am from Yuancheng County, Daming Prefecture."
"Oh, Daming Prefecture." An Lingrong acted as if she had suddenly realized something. "Hey, I seem to remember that Steward Su is also from Daming Prefecture. Did you two know each other before?"
Jin Xi had clearly not anticipated An Lingrong's question, and for a moment she was at a loss, completely stunned. However, having served in the palace for many years, she quickly composed herself, regaining her composure and softly replying, "My lady, I do know him, but we haven't had much interaction on a daily basis; we're just nodding acquaintances."
After hearing this, An Lingrong raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, and nodded slightly: "Well, not familiar!"
You are a liar!
Then she changed the subject: "Sister Zhen was favored by the emperor during the selection. You are lucky to be able to work as a head maid in her palace!"
This series of actions left Jinxi a little confused, and she could only follow her words and answer: "Yes, it is my blessing to be able to serve Concubine Wan. I will be loyal and dedicated to you."
An Lingrong lifted her slender eyelids slightly. Her eyes seemed calm and composed, but her words held a hidden meaning. "Loyal? Haha, I just wonder if this so-called loyalty you offer is to Sister Zhen, or to that 'other person' who once did you a 'small favor'?"
The words were light and airy, but they were like a thousand-pound rock, weighing heavily on Jinxi's heart.
Hearing this, Jinxi instantly understood what An Lingrong was referring to, and was startled. Her face turned pale, her legs gave way, and she fell straight to her knees. With a trembling voice, she defended herself, "I am loyal to Concubine Wan, your Excellency."
Whether in the distant memories of a past life or in the long years they've shared in this life, Jin Xi's loyalty to Zhen Huan is unquestionable. Their bond is incredibly deep, transcending the ordinary relationship of master and servant, becoming more like close, intimate friends who share everything. They understand and cherish each other, their minds connected, supporting and relying on each other amidst the turbulent circumstances of the inner court.
"Get up! I naturally believe in your loyalty." An Lingrong's tone softened a little.
Jin Xi stood up upon hearing the voice, her body still trembling slightly. She tried to steady herself and said, "I have received little favors from Empress Chunyuan, and I have always hoped to repay her someday, but I never expected her to pass away so early. After Concubine Wan entered the palace, I was captivated by her gentle temperament, and even more moved by her intelligence and kindness. I resolved to serve you wholeheartedly, not daring to slack off or have any second thoughts."
"Then she and Queen Chunyuan..." An Lingrong's words were filled with some doubt and inquiry, and the ending tone was dragged out for a long time.
"My lady, actually Concubine Wan and Empress Chunyuan don't look very similar, but when the Concubine stands there, people will for no reason feel that she is Empress Chunyuan." Jinxi's eyes were filled with memories and thoughts as she explained slowly.
An Lingrong narrowed her eyes and murmured, "Three parts appearance, three parts temperament, and three parts coincidence. It's hard for the Emperor not to overthink it!"
Jin Xi nodded gently in agreement, her expression becoming somewhat solemn as she echoed, "My lady, you are absolutely right. It is precisely because of this that Concubine Wan's situation in the palace has become even more complicated."
Whether it's the secret of Zhen Huan's resemblance to Chun Yuan or the truth behind Concubine Hua's unique Huan Yi Fragrance, many within the palace are well aware of the truth. Yet, within this turbulent court, no one is willing to speak out against the harsh truth. After all, since it doesn't concern one's concerns, everyone naturally chooses to remain indifferent, unwilling to easily invite trouble. Everyone knows that less is worse than more; a single misstep could lead to catastrophic consequences.
This led to Zhen Huan's blind spot. She naively believed that her access to the Emperor's favor was entirely due to her unique personal charm. Her flower-like beauty, exceptional intelligence, and gentle and virtuous disposition alone made her unique in the Emperor's heart. Furthermore, the Emperor's unparalleled favor, with his endless rewards and care, inevitably led to a sense of pride and complacency, even leading to a period of unintentional complacency.
"It's understandable that everyone else kept silent, but why didn't you tell Sister Yu Zhen the truth?" An Lingrong stared at Jin Xi, her tone questioning.
Jin Xi showed a bitter smile on her face and slowly replied, "My lady, please forgive me for my disrespect. You also know why you didn't tell Concubine Wan? In this palace, everyone has their own difficulties and considerations. There are some things that we don't want to say, but we can't say them, and we dare not say them!"
Well, she asked a stupid question. She herself didn't dare to tell Zhen Huan the truth, so how could she force others to do so?
"Sister Zhen is pregnant now, so everything must be centered around this matter." An Lingrong said solemnly, "I called you here today to tell you that you should be more persuasive towards her in the future and not say too much about state affairs. As for the Emperor, you should also remind her to stay true to her heart."
"Yes, I understand what my lady means!" Jin Xi responded respectfully, her expression full of seriousness.