c45 (1/2)

Chapter 45: Imperial Generosity To A Favourite

Within Ling Yun Palace, Chen Zhen was lying on the couch reading when a palace maid softly entered the room and stopped by Wu-er’s side, softly saying, “Older sister Wu-er, Concubine Qing is outside asking for an audience.”

Chen Zhen looked up from her book, scaring the palace maid into kneeling down. Imperial Concubine Hui prefer quietness and usually her Ladys.h.i.+p’s temperament was really good but one must never to disturb her when she is reading or resting. The palace maid was so scared that she was shaking. Wu-er waved her hands at her and the palace maid immediately retreated out.

What is she doing here? Chen Zhen’s brow knitted and Wu-er spoke, “This servant will reply her saying that your Ladys.h.i.+p has yet to wake up.”

When Wu-er was almost at the door, Chen Zhen suddenly voiced out, “No need, invite her in.”

“Yes.” Even if Wu-er was reluctant to do it, she did not dare to go against Chen Zhen’s wishes thus she could only go out to welcome Qing Feng in.

When Qing Feng entered the house, she saw Chen Zhen half lying on the couch, without any signs of wanting to get up. Qing Feng walked to her and gave a bow and greeting, “Qing Feng greets your Ladys.h.i.+p Imperial Concubine Hui.”

Chen Zhen pulled the blanket over to cover up her body and softly replied, “No need to be too polite. After one enters the Inner Palace, one is the Emperor’s women. We should refer to one another as sisters.”

Qing Feng secretly raised her eyebrow, the females in the Inner Palace indeed really like to refer one another as “sisters”. The last time when the Empress said it, Qing Feng was dismissive but this time Qing Feng obediently replied, “As what older sister says.”

Looking around Ling Yun Palace, Qing Feng smiled, “Older sister’s place is furnished really elegantly and refined.” Qing Feng’s words were not half-heartedly at all. Chen Zhen’s place was indeed fitting to be called “elegant and refined”. The s.p.a.cious main hall, the plain white curtains swaying with the wind, a painting of irises and orchids were hanged in the position facing the door, a large comfortable slightly tilting bed couch was placed beside the opened window and there was a mid-height bookshelf place beside it. Chen Zhen was lying by her side on the soft couch, looking sleepy but not losing her elegance. Qing Feng silently sighed,this is a female which one will feel comfortable at sight. It is just that maybe she was thoroughly ill, as she still wore a long shawl in the midsummer morning and cover herself to the chest with a thin blanket.

Chen Zhen smile faintly, “I’m flattered.”

Qing Feng’s gaze stopped at a koi embroidery in front of the window and her eyes slightly narrowed. Qing Feng walked over and lightly touched the delicate silk. Qing Feng was entranced with it as Chen Zhen slowly sat up and said, “Younger sister is also interested in embroidery?”

This silk was extremely familiar. Covering the suspicions in her heart, Qing Feng looked at the embroidered koi and smiled, “I was only sighing about older sister’s skill. The ability to sew such intricate embroidery on such valuable type of silk really make this younger sister feel incompetent. Anyway to be able to have this thin of silk, it is indeed uncommon. Presumably a rare item.”

“This is not anything exotic as the Weaving Department will make a few bouts every quarter. It is just that this material is too thin for clothes and too delicate for handkerchief thus the mistresses of every palace doesn’t like to use it. Only I love its fine and soft texture as it is best for embroidery. If younger sister likes it, then do take some of it.”

“Then many thanks for it older sister.” Qing Feng secretly watched Chen Zhen’s expression, gentle and natural. Could it be that she has thought too much into it?

Chen Zhen raise her hand to Wu-er who was standing beside and Wu-er walked into the chambers. After a short while, she came out with half a bout of silk and Fu Ling went up to receive it.

Qing Feng sat down on one of the stools and for a moment there was nothing said between the two person as they do not have any interaction before. It was fortunate that both of them were introverted people that staying silent was not awkward for both of them. When the tea was drank to half, Qing Feng then smile and said, “Actually, I am here today to discuss about an issue with older sister. I like to paint, older sister love embroidery and Qiong Yue ceremony is approaching. Why not both of us offer a gift during the celebration? I would draw and older sister would do the embroidery. The Emperor would definitely be very fond of the gift. It’s just that I do not know if older sister’s health…”

“This is a a very good idea but recently my health is not very good so younger sister can draw the design and let the Weaving Department to rush it out before the celebration.”

“That is also a good idea. Once I have finish drawing, it would then be brought to older sister to view. With regards to the embroidery, it would be best to have older sister’s advice.”

“You are being too modest.”

With the topic of embroidery, both of them could continue to chat and a s.h.i.+chen (modern: 2 hours) quickly pa.s.sed. Seeing the colour in the sky, Qing Feng smiled, “Did not think that older sister and me could hit it off so well. It would seem that it is almost noon and I do not want to delay older sister to rest. Qing Feng will retire and come back tomorrow for a visit.”

Still coming here tomorrow? Chen Zhen quickly said, “This is an old chronic problem and should not trouble younger sister to come over everyday.”

“It is of no trouble. I am also very bored in the Palace, if older sister do not mind, we would be one another partners. Qing Feng will retire.” Finis.h.i.+ng her words and not waiting for Chen Zhen to speak, Qing Feng gave a bow and left Ling Yun Palace with Fu Ling.

Qing Feng left arrogantly like that and made her mistress frown deeply. Wu-er started to get angry and scolded softly, “She is being too much!”

Chen Zhen have been thinking about the purpose of Qing Feng’s visit today and only recovered when she heard the girl beside her complaining. She looked up and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“She need not come over early in the morning to agitate your Ladys.h.i.+p even though the Emperor graced her last night.” Wu-er grumpily complained about the injustice. Chen Zhen laugh in spite of herself, “She is not such a meaningless person.”

She is not? Wu-er did not understand and asked, “Then why is she here?”

Chen Zhen shook her head. She also wanted to know what was Qing Feng here for. When the topic of embroidery was brought up, Qing Feng saw the embroidery she did and casually commented on it. What is her purpose of coming here today and why is there a need to come again tomorrow?

Wu-er lowered her voice and spoke to Chen Zhen worriedly, “Your Ladys.h.i.+p, if she comes here everyday, it would be easy for her to find out.”

“Stop mentioning about it. Just wait and observe the changes.” The words touched on Chen Zhen’s anxieties and her brows unconsciously furrowed. Listening to what Qing Feng spoke the other day, she guessed that Qing Feng would not be resigned to her fate and she is afraid that the Inner Palace will no longer be peaceful. But why did she not direct it to the Empress and Empress Dowager and instead came to her. Ai. She has miscalculated this time, she should not have provoked Qing Feng.

*****

Exiting Ling Yun Palace, Qing Feng leisurely walked in front and asked in a cold voice, “Is it that kind of silk?”

“Yes.” That night she re-sew the brocade bag and carefully inspected it. The light and soft texture with the weaving grain are all consistent with the bolt of silk in her arms.

Qing Feng’s leisurely pace did not change but her voice got colder, “Go and inquire from the Weaving Department if it was like what Chen Zhen has said that this material can be used by anyone and… Within the past six months, which palace has asked for it.”

“Yes.”

Both of them were walking on a small trail between flowers with an earthy fragrance and warmth of the sun surrounded them and the green leaves above their head interrupted the sun rays to many strands and landed on the neatly-arrange quartzite little road. It was Qing Feng’s favourite place as it is shady, peaceful and secluded and the flowers are arranged better as compared to the Imperial Gardens. Qing Feng slow her pace down and at this time a green clad child ran over from an arched door all the way to Qing Feng’s side. He bowed to his waist and lowered his voice to speak, “Your Ladys.h.i.+p Concubine Qing, Prime Minister Lou let this servant pa.s.s a message over saying that Lou Furen is doing fine now. Please do not worry about it.”

The child suddenly sprang out of nowhere, scaring Qing Feng and Fu Ling. Hearing his words, Qing Feng was then able to recover from it and size him up. The child was shorter than her, his voice is clear and bright and he spoke quickly, seemingly like he was twelve or thirteen. Settling her mind, Qing Feng then whispered back, “I understand. Which palace are you from?”

“This servant is Xiao Liu-zi, working in the Imperial Household.” Pausing a while, the little child seem to have thought about something and softly replied, “If you have any message to be pa.s.sed to Prime Minister Lou or Furen, this servant can do so.”

The little child looks very smart but Qing Feng did not let him carry any messages and only answered back plainly, “You can withdraw.”

“Yes.” Just like he came, the little child jogged a few steps and went into the small trail leading to an arched door, quickly disappearing from Qing Feng’s sight.

Elder Sister was taken away by Lou Xi Yan and with his great care, she was very a.s.sured. Recalling Lou Xi Yan’s rage that day, Qing Feng was very curious. How would he handle it in the end? It was obvious who was the one who did it but the other party is the Empress Dowager, who is the Emperor’s blood mother, what does he want to do? What can be done?

Suddenly not in the mood to appreciate the scenery, Qing Feng’s pace quickened and they both arrive in Qing Feng Hall shortly. Xia Yin was about to arrange lunch when she saw them returning. Xia Yin went out and softly informed, “Your Ladys.h.i.+p, Zheng Yang Palace sent a message over saying that the Emperor will come over tonight to have dinner with your Ladys.h.i.+p. This servant has already informed the Imperial Kitchens to prepare accordingly.”

“En. Just order them to do what should be done. Lunch is not needed and I want to rest for a while.”

Xia Yin secretly gave a sigh of relief. This mistress is different from other mistresses. According to past experiences, the arrival of the Emperor does not necessarily make her happy. Xia Yin lifted her head and answered, “Yes.” Her eyes inadvertently saw the bout of silk that Fu Ling was holding and Xia Yin’s heart started thumping wildly and her face turned pale. It was fortunate that Qing Feng and Fu Ling had already entered the house.

Xia Yin’s hand gently covered her chest as she quietly retreated.

*****

When it just reached the time to light the lamps, the Imperial Kitchens brought dinner in successively, filling the entire long table. In a short while, a eunuch’s far away shrill cry can be heard, “The Emperor has arrived.”

When Yan Hong Tian step into Qing Feng Hall, that elegant figure has already half knelt down to receive him, “Long live the Emperor.”

“Rise.” Holding her hand to help her up, Yan Hong Tian teased, “Zhen thought that you are accustomed to receive by closing the doors.”