Chunman Palace

Chapter 55
　As the sun rose, Concubine Lan rubbed her sleepy eyes, there was no one beside the jade pillow, and the bed was cold with only a faint fragrance left.

A court lady stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Linghua Palace has been tidied up, do you want to go there immediately?"

Concubine Lan didn't say a word, she just nodded slightly.

After dressing up, several palace people walked out of Huachen Palace with Concubine Lan. The palace road was long and majestic with red walls and green tiles. very stable.

She doesn't take a sedan chair, just to feel this Xuanming City again, feel everything here, how long this road is, she has to measure it step by step.

The maid who led the way stopped at a dark red palace door, pushed the door open, and signaled people to pay attention to their steps.

All the things are as before, except that the flowers in front of the door have been replaced with moon-white chrysanthemums, and a few green chrysanthemums are embellished in the middle, which is particularly conspicuous.

A few rows of court ladies and eunuchs knelt outside the house to greet people, very pious.

Concubine Lan picked out a few who seemed pleasing to the eye and prudent, went in to serve, and the rest still just went about their original errands.

The furnishings in the house are exquisite and beautiful, with several statues of white jade ruyi spoons, green jadeite cabbage, and blue veil like clouds and mist fluttering in the wind, exuding a refreshing smell.

She took off her robe and asked the person, "What are your names?"

A court lady who looked very calm saluted, "My servant Chuntao, I have met your empress." She pointed to the other court ladies and introduced in turn: "She is Feixu, who is good at making cakes; Yin'er, who is good at combing hair."

Concubine Lan thought for a while and said, "Now that I'm returning to the palace, I don't have anything special to give to Jingui. How about this, Feixu, you go to the small kitchen to make some pastries, and send them to Jingui's residence for me."

"Yes." Feixu Nuonuo nodded, and was about to leave when Concubine Lan stopped her, and added a sentence: "The taste should be sweeter, not too greasy, and don't add preserved fruit."

"Yes, the servant knows."

Chuntao stepped forward and said: "I don't know what kind of tea the empress likes, this servant will write it down, and I will prepare it for you."

Concubine Lan rubbed her armour-wearing fingers, recalled the sweet tea, and asked, "Is there still jujube flower tea?"

"There shouldn't be any in the palace. The servants will get some later to make tea for the empress."

Concubine Lan lightly buckled one side of the armor and stuffed it into the palm of her hand, she got up and said, "Well, if there is nothing wrong with the palace, you can leave, I will be alone."

Chuntao said: "Your Majesty, the Emperor went to Baiyun Temple to pray for blessings today, and the Queen's Majesty stopped the Sixth Palace Ceremony due to the severe wind and cold. There is nothing else to do other than that."

"Understood." Concubine Lan went straight to the inner room, and took off the armor on the other side while speaking.

All the palace people backed out and closed the door.

Concubine Min sat on the huanghuali wood chair in the back room, and put those armors on the table casually. These things fell all the way to her. Now that the long armor has not grown out, it is too troublesome to wear them, and she is not used to them.

Seeing a few books on the table, he opened a volume and found that it was full of the contents of "Women's Rules", and the rest were basically the same.

She couldn't help but let out a sneer.

It is ridiculous that a woman without talent is virtuous, and a virtuous woman is accused of crimes.

Unknown birds on the red eaves vomited and hoarse, and their piercing calls were poured into the half-opened windows with the wind, and the night lilies swayed accordingly, and the frail branches and leaves swayed from side to side, as if they were about to be blown off.There were endless groans in the house, as if in a state of distress.

Mu Pingting's taro-colored shirt was draped over her body, her brows were frowning, her eyes were sleepy, her lips were pale and tightly closed, it seemed that she hadn't had a peaceful night.

Huayue was entering the room to dress up for others. Seeing Mu Pingting's sickly appearance, she walked over with a heavy heart, opened the Indian plum incense burner, and poured a bowl of tea into it.

"Last night, I lighted a lot of soothing incense, and my lord didn't get a good night's sleep. It's too bad." Huayue looked at the person with distress, and brought the pumpkin and barley soup stewed in the small kitchen for breakfast: "My lord Let's drink some soup to warm up our stomach first, and then my maidservant will invite Imperial Physician Li to come over."

Mu Pingting lost her appetite, waved her hands and said weakly: "It's a heart disease, even if you ask the imperial doctor to see it, it's useless." She sighed leisurely, closed her eyes and shed a few lines of tears, "I've been sisters for so many years. Never thought that Xiuru would do this."

"My servant did not expect that the friendship between the young master and the concubine Chang would suddenly become like this... Although the harem is full of intrigues and schemes, the servant always believes that the young master and the concubine Chang are sisters who can help each other." Huayue After a pause, he suddenly said: "Young master's heart disease is difficult to heal, and now there is no way to say anything... Why don't you go and see the emperor?"

"What's wrong?" The two of them didn't pay attention to their conversation, and there was a beautiful figure standing at the door.

The owner of that figure is wearing a green peach dress embroidered with flower beads, and a budding hairpin tied with snake and emerald jade hairpins. The pendant is gently swaying, and the brows are fresh and pleasant, and the eyes seem to hide a deep and gentle light.Taking a closer look, it was Lin Qingyu.

Mu Pingting asked outside: "Lin Changzai is here, why didn't you know to let me know."

"Sister, don't be angry. It was Qingyu who heard that my sister was not in a good spirit today. It would disturb my sister, so I didn't let them pass it on."

Huayue Zhan smiled and bowed to the people: "Lin Changzai, please come in quickly, our little master is worrying, and this servant is worried that she will be sad and hurt her body, which will not be good for the dragon fetus."

Lin Qingyu nodded, walked slowly to Mu Pingting's side, and asked gently, "What's the matter, Sister Mu?"

Mu Pingting smiled wryly and said, "It's nothing. I woke up from a nightmare in the middle of the night, which caused my heart to tremble. After that, I couldn't sleep anymore. I'm a little haggard now."

Lin Qingyu asked with concern: "Have you consulted an imperial physician? I heard that women are most afraid of nightmares when they are pregnant. The mother's body is too sad, and the fetus will also be born with heart disease in the future. When it grows up, it will be cowardly and difficult to become a child."

Lingqiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes, Jingui, please take care of your body, so that the dragon fetus can be safe and healthy!"

Mu Pingting smiled palely, "It's not so mysterious, it's just a nightmare, how could it involve children being timid by nature, attention disorder and so on..."

Huayue couldn't help but said: "My lord, this servant should tell Lin Changzai about this, otherwise your heart disease will get better no matter how difficult it is, you can't hurt the dragon fetus, right?"

Lin Qingyu asked with a puzzled look, "What's the matter?"

"Huayue, don't talk too much!" While speaking, Mu Pingting was reminded of last night's thoughts again, and her blood surged up, and she coughed lightly again and again.

Lin Qingyu said: "My sister's body is weak, go back to the bed and rest, Lingqiao."

Lingqiao nodded knowingly, and went to help Mu Pingting go to the back room.

Lin Qingyu looked at Huayue intently and said, "Huayue, tell me, what is it?"

In Guanju Palace, Concubine Min's face is delicate and luxurious, with a bit of laziness, looking boredly at the records presented by the palace servants.

"I haven't seen you in three years. Concubine Lan's brochure really cost me a lot of effort. I don't see how much the emperor loves me. How can the person who was punished be promoted back to the palace!" Concubine Min's eyes were full of contempt , casually threw the yellow notebook on the ground.

Lu'er picked up the records and handed them to the eunuch in charge, and analyzed: "Your Majesty, please calm down, Concubine Lan's return to the palace is not entirely at the emperor's behest, the three-year penalty for cleaning outside the palace is considered a severe punishment, there is no way to give face to the Marquis of Anyang. "

Concubine Min's eyes were full of mockery, she sneered and said: "It's a good thing for her, after three years of meditation, she can keep the clouds and see the moon, and she has suddenly become a concubine."

Lu'er said to himself: "Your Majesty, Concubine Lan's return to the palace is tantamount to seeking her own death, but it is convenient for us! She has long been defeated by Your Majesty, if you can defeat her once, you can defeat her a second time!"

"Concubine Lan naturally wants to fight, but there is someone else that I can't tolerate now. This grain of sand is small, but it has been worn in my eyes for a long time, and it should be washed down with water."

Concubine Min raised her hand and yawned, pinched the stamens from the white osmanthus, and blew lightly: "The palace has not been peaceful for several days, and troubles happen frequently. The emperor is praying outside, and the queen is sick. There are many people here in this palace." Control, otherwise I will gain the power to assist the Sixth Palace in vain."

Lu'er immediately said: "Yes, this servant will tell the palaces to come here."

Concubine Min frowned and said: "No need, tell them all to go to Linxian Palace, I will tell them there." It was too conspicuous to call all the concubines here, she didn't want to lose ground for nothing.

"But what if someone refuses to come because they are unwell?"

"It's okay. If you are unwell, you should go to visit more people. When you are healthy, come again. If you don't come, I will punish them for disrespect after the emperor comes back." After Minfei finished speaking, the corner of her mouth raised a touch. Grim smile.

Lu'er left immediately.

"The things Sister Chang did are really puzzling, and I believe she has reasons for it." In Fujingxuan, Lin Qingyu analyzed what Huayue said last night.

"Hearing Xiaozhu Lin's words, this servant also finds it strange. Concubine Chang has been on good terms with our young master since childhood. The two are as close as sisters. If there is no other reason, why would she take the dragon fetus..."

Lu'er coughed outside the door, then entered the room and said, "Lin Changzai is here too? My servant greets Changzai."

Lin Qingyu looked back and said, "Does Concubine Min have anything to say?"

Lu'er smiled and said: "Since Lin Changzai is here, I will tell you about it. Concubine Min said that the palace has not been peaceful recently and troubles have occurred frequently. The emperor has come to Baiyun Temple to pray for the prosperity of the country. Concubines can't slack off either, and invite all masters and wives to Linxian Palace together."

Huayue said: "Our little master is not feeling well, can you not go?"

The corner of Lu'er's mouth gave a deep smile, pretending to be incredulous: "This servant doesn't know, the lady just asks the servant to pass on the news, as for whether you will be punished if you don't go, the servant doesn't know." Then he bowed and retreated.

At this time, Mu Pingting had regained her energy, and she heard someone's voice, so she came out to check: "Hua Yue, who came just now, and what's the matter?"

Huayue said reluctantly: "It was Concubine Min who invited all the concubines to come to Linxian Palace to pray."

Lin Qingyu persuaded: "Sister, this must be a Hongmen banquet set up by Concubine Min, you must not go there."

Sitting on the chair, Mu Pingting said weakly: "Well, I know, even if I want to go, I really don't have the strength to move."

Seeing that the person was as weak as paper, Lin Qingyu couldn't help but feel distressed and said: "Sister's face is so pale, is it stagnant in her heart, please go and ask Doctor Li."

"Understood, I will ask Huayue to invite Li Taiyi later, and you should go to Linxian Temple, or Concubine Min will make trouble with this later." Mu Pingting smiled faintly at people, and patted people the back of the hand.

Lin Qingyu frowned slightly, and forced a smile: "Okay, then Qingyu will truthfully report my sister's situation to Concubine Min, and my sister can just rest at ease."

In Linxian Hall, all the concubines, headed by Concubine Min, knelt down one by one, closing their eyes devoutly and praying for blessings.

Lu'er went forward and whispered something in his ear, Concubine Min opened her eyes, glanced down, and said in a bored way: "Okay, sisters have been here with me for almost an hour, so you don't need to kneel anymore, Get up, everyone."

Before all the concubines were happy and relieved, Concubine Min added: "Seeing that you sisters are very interested, why not go to Taiye Pond to enjoy the scenery together? I heard that there are a few maple trees that are bright red like fire, it is very rare."

Seeing that no one dared to criticize, Concubine Lan said: "Concubine Min should accept her kindness, but I think all the younger sisters are a little tired, why don't you let the younger sisters go back, how about I accompany Concubine Min to Taiye Pool to see the maple?"

Concubine Min smiled when she heard the words: "Looking at what Concubine Lan said, it seems that you know what you sisters are thinking~ It's only you who have just returned to the palace, so I'm afraid you don't know. Much clearer than you."

Seeing that the others didn't say a word, Concubine Lan choked, didn't say anything, got up and left.

Concubine Min's expression changed, and she asked, "Concubine Lan, what are you doing?"

Concubine Lan said without turning her head: "I'm not feeling well, so it's inconvenient to accompany Concubine Min, I'll go back to the palace to rest first."

Concubine Min glared and scolded: "Okay, Concubine Lan left halfway through her prayers, so it can be seen that her heart is not pious. When the emperor comes back, I will definitely inform you about this!" She let out a deep breath, stood up and said, "The rest of the sisters Don't follow Lan Fei's back path, let's go to Taiye Pond."

Along the way, Lin Qingyu always felt uncomfortable.

She felt stuffy all the way, as if something was about to happen, she didn't care to enjoy the scenery when she arrived at Taiye Pond, she just followed the crowd silently, listening to Concubine Min's words from time to time.

At this time, Mu Pingting took a decoction, and her health improved obviously.

During this period, Concubine Min sent several maids to invite her to Linxian Palace, her words were threatening, because Concubine Min kept sending people to pay her respects loudly on purpose, she was always woken up by fright when she was resting, she rested intermittently for a while, her spirits Instead of getting better, it got worse.

She was worried that Concubine Min would make trouble because she didn't come to Linxian Palace to pray for blessings, and she was always worried. Hearing from the palace people that Concubine Min took people to Taiye Pool to see the maple, she wanted to catch up with her and explained to Concubine Min clearly. Get up and go with Huayue.

There is a place by the Taiye Pond where there are lotus carps, and although they have failed to bloom now, all the koi inside are full of vitality. When they saw Mu Pingting coming, they all raised their heads and kept opening and closing their mouths to beg for food.

Huayue happened to be carrying a package of muffins, so she broke them into pieces and asked Mu Pingting to feed them. Seeing the koi vying to devour them, they were lively and interesting, and they felt relieved.

Seeing that it was interesting, Mu Pingting leaned forward again, but suddenly a force came from behind and pushed her into the pool.

As soon as Huayue yelled out, she was immediately hit with a club on the head, and fell down with her head tilted.

Mu Pingting kept splashing the water and calling for help. The icy lake water invaded her body, and the chill went straight to her bones. She was about to take her consciousness away. She vaguely heard the sound of several people jumping into the water. The sharp pain, like a knife stirring, made her eyes widen.

Someone... is kicking her in the stomach!
She struggled to push the person away, her body was restricted and she couldn't escape, she only tried her best to bite the arm of the person closest to her, and she lost her strength and sank into the water.

(End of this chapter)