c35 (1/2)
Chapter 35: Failing To Appreciate Favours (Part 1)
The sun gradually set and with the sky filled with clouds, the rays are no longer scorching hot but the air was more sultry than in the afternoon. In the Yang Xin Lake, the lotus was swaying in its stems along with the light breeze but it was unfortunate that it was not cooling or refres.h.i.+ng. The humid warm wind made one feel more uncomfortable. Two shadows was walking along the lake, slowly headed towards the direction of Xi Xia Palace but they were walking with difficulty.
After drinking that bowl of medicine, her abdomen started to throb in pain. Qing Feng have to rely on Fu Ling’s support in order for her to continue to move forward. Even though she know that the banquet tonight was held to make things difficult for her, Qing Feng still decided to go. She wanted to see what kind of tricks can the Empress Dowager play and also see how powerful is that Princess Chao Yun.
It was such a hot day but Qing Feng’s hand that was holding on to her was getting colder. Fu Ling looked worriedly at the pale made up face of Qing Feng and said in a worried tone, “Mistress, lets rest at the pavilion in front before continuing on.”
Qing Feng looked up and saw that there was a small pavilion in the lake filled with summer lotuses but in order to reach there, one will need to walk through the winding bridge. After reaching there, she will be able to reach Xi Xia Palace faster. Qing Feng was still contemplating when her sight was attracted by an oncoming female. She was dressed in a light purple attire, her waist was adorned with silver ta.s.sels and gold threads s.h.i.+mmered as she elegantly walked. From afar, it was like painting of a beautiful female, that n.o.ble and demure look made one surprise and envious. Qing Feng sighed secretly, what a beautiful female.
Looking along Qing Feng’s line of sight and seeing the oncoming person, Fu Ling slightly frown and whispered into her ears, “Mistress, this is Imperial Concubine Hui.”
She is Imperial Concubine Hui? She is truly a beauty carved from clouds. For the Palace to have such a beauty, no wonder Xin Yue Ning was that jealous and Yan Hong Tian favoured her that much. When Qing Feng was sizing Chen Zhen up, Chen Zhen also noticed her standing not farHer abdomen started to hurt away. The jet-black hair hanging behind her and the blue dress she wore fell onto the ground which outline her slender figure and made is graceful. She stood like that facing the water, like a a cloud by the horizon, fluttering by the wind and pondering about uncertainties.
When both of their sights set on one another, Chen Zhen was secretly apprehensive. Such clear bright eyes, ice-cold and sharp yet clear and lucid. It has been a long time since such eyes appeared in the Palace. No wonder the Emperor treated her favourably. Under her surprise and slight anxiety, Chen Zhen nodded her head lightly to Qing Feng and smiled. Qing Feng’s heart hesitated before she returned the smile.
“Two younger sisters are heading to Xi Xia Palace for the banquet?” Both of them did not have time to greet another when a female voice sounded from behind them. Both of them turned their heads and saw Xin Yue Ning wearing a glamorous outfit and was smiling at them.
Two of them exchanged a look and greeted, “Greeting the Empress.” Qing Feng saw a faint impatience in Chen Zhen eyes. It seems that these two bear deep grudges.
“Two younger sisters shouldn’t stand on ceremony.” Her mouth say those words but Xin Yue Ning only extended her hand to prop Qing Feng up and softly asked, “Is younger sister’s health better these days?”
Chen Zhen got up and seems to be used to Xin Yue Ning habit of creating difficulties. The elegant gesture of extending her hands made Xin Yue Ning seem disrespectful. Qing Feng is interested in Imperial Concubine Hui who was the most favoured within the Inner Palace. She secretly observe her while she withdrew her hand that was held by Xin Yue Ning naturally and replied, “Many thanks for the Empress concern, it is no longer a hindrance.”
The wind by the lake is quite big, making the scarf around Qing Feng’s neck flutter. The females in the Inner Palace are very sensitive and will not let go of any tiny hints of a secrets, let alone the little red marks that were on Qing Feng’s neck which cannot be covered. Chen Zhen’s watery s.h.i.+mmering eyes flashed, even thought it quickly recovered to a calm state, it was still noticed by Xin Yue Ning.
Chen Zhen, you too have such a day. You have finally taste the jealousy of guarding an empty room for the entire night! Xin Yue Ning, whose mood was considerably good, pretended to help her to arrange her scarf as she laughed, “The Emperor shouldn’t have. Younger sister’s health just improve and he should be more considerate.”
Her cynical tone of voice made Qing Feng frown, the Empress is using her to provoke Imperial Concubine Hui? The females in the Palace really do not have anything else to do? Her abdominal started to hurt and since Qing Feng did not want to be involved in their silly jealousy game, she simply kept her mouth shut. Qing Feng’s silence was somewhat unusual and Chen Zhen only smiled while she stood at the side. Seeing that no one continue her words, Xin Yue Ning felt that it was uninteresting and said melancholy, “It is getting late, two younger sister will head with Bengong to the location.” Humph, Chen Zhen, Bengong will like to see how long you can endure it!
“Yes.”
Three of them silently walked all the way to Xi Xia Palace and into the hall. Qing Feng only knew then that there are really a lot of Yan Hong Tian’s women. In such a big house, there was already more than twenty females waiting there, each as beautiful as a flower. For those who were qualified to come for this banquet have already made Qing Feng dazzled and who knows how many are there who were not qualified to be there. Qing Feng scoffed, Yan Hong Tian blessings is indeed not shallow.
When everyone saw the arrival of the Empress, they came forward to pay their respect in succession but their sight stopped at Qing Feng. Especially for those who had stayed in the Palace for a number of years but only remain at the t.i.tle of Beauty or Talent were staring a hole into Qing Feng. Qing Feng was not afraid of them looking but only felt impatience. The female in the Palace is numerous and comparison is not made by the t.i.tles but by the appearances, thus it is not worth fighting.
“The Empress Dowager has arrived.” After the loud voice has spoken, a larger physique, fifty over years old woman walked in with support from a mama.
“May the Empress Dowager have innumerable fortune and safety.”
“All rise.” The gentle voice sounded kind. Qing Feng raise her head to look at the highest seating position. That woman was dressed in a deep plum long dress and her hair is styled simply making it look rustic and her smile is very friendly. She is the Empress Dowager? Qing Feng was quite surprised. The West Empress Dowager was not what she imagine. Qing Feng secretly observe and the West Empress Dowager suddenly look at her with a pair of smiling eyes which made Qing Feng shuddered. After looking at her for a while, the West Empress Dowager did not make things difficult for her and smiled to everyone, “Today is the first day of the month, the Reverend from Xiu Yun Temple has prepared vegetarian courses for Aijia (how Empress Dowager refer to themselves instead of using I). Aijia specially invited you all over to taste and spread the goodness of Buddhism.”
“Thanking the Empress Dowager for the banquet.”
“Do be seated.” The Empress was naturally seated on the right side of the Empress Dowager and constantly whispering a few words with the Empress Dowager. Imperial Concubine Hui sat at the next row, deliberately avoiding seating at the same level as the queen.
Qing Feng’s pain was hard to bear thus she did not have any mood to observe the rest and sat at a position at the back. After she was seated, she realised that many female sat behind her. There were only six or seven of them who dared to sit in front of her. She now could somewhat understand why others are jealous of her.
An old mama walked in from outside the courtyard and whispered a few words to Yang Zhi Lan. The edges of Yang Zhi Lan’s lips hooked up and she said smilingly, “Today Aijia also invited a special guest.”
Everyone was secretly guessing who was the person that the Empress Dowager regarded as a special quest? Without a long wait, the old mama brought a female into the hall.
The female was tall and she has an elegant face. It is just that on her cheeks, there were also two scars. Everyone lingered between Qing Feng and that female and they quickly understood the female’s ident.i.ty.
Elder Sister? Seeing clearly the female appearance made Qing Feng’s heart jump up to her throat and the hand that was holding the teacup tighten. Why did her Elder Sister enter the Palace? So the purpose of the banquet was not to direct against her, but… Elder Sister?
Receiving Qing Feng’s alarmed look, Zhou Qing looked towards her direction and was surprise for a moment before she recovered her calm and patient smile. That calm and confident smile made Qing Feng’s heart stabilize a little.
“You are Qing Ling?” The question interrupted the exchange of looks and Qing Ling magnanimously said, “Yes.”
“Come and sit by Aijia.” Zhou Qing walked magnanimous to her side. Yang Zhi Lan at first looked at her from top to bottom to size her up. Just as she about to have gooseb.u.mps on her hands, she smile, “Prime Minister Lou does have a good eyesight, indeed a girl full of life. The name given is also good, the name reflects as the person, don’t you all say so?”