The Empress Arrives: Rebirth of Concubine Hua

Chapter 32: Going with the flow
Nian Shilan was staring at the dazzling roses blooming on the courtyard wall, and then she saw Songzhi coming in with a look of grievance on her face.

"What's the matter? I asked you to treat the master to dinner, but he wronged you?"

Nian Shilan asked Songzhi with a smile.

Songzhi's eyes suddenly turned red and she knelt down.

"If you have something to say, come and say it. You have followed me since you were a child. When have you ever knelt before me like this? What, did the master deduct money from you?"

The smile on Nian Shilan's face faded a little. As she spoke, she gestured to Luluo to help Songzhi up.

Songzhi stood up and hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Master, please forgive me. It's not that I mean to upset you, but, but..."

Seeing Songzhi hesitating, as if she had something to say but was not sure how to say it, Nian Shilan went into the house and sent the servants away.

"Speak now, there are no outsiders here."

Nian Shilan sat down, picked up the teacup and took a sip.

Songzhi had suppressed her emotions by now, and was secretly blaming herself in her heart for feeling so wronged when she met her master just now.

What if my master acts on impulse?

Songzhi thought about it and spoke.

"My Lord, it's not a big deal. I went to invite the prince to dinner, but he just said he would come to see you after he was done with his work. He didn't say clearly whether he would come tonight or not."

"Just because of this? No. This matter doesn't make you feel wronged. Tell me, what else is wrong?"

Nian Shilan put down the teacup and stared into Songzhi's eyes.

Songzhi was frightened by Nian Shilan's gaze. She had always been loyal to Nian Shilan, so after thinking it over, she decided to speak frankly.

"Of course I am not wronged in this matter. On the way back, I was walking with my head down and was not paying attention. I bumped into Hu Gege who was passing by."

After Songzhi finished speaking, she looked at Nian Shilan's expression.

Nian Shilan sighed and said, "You've served me for so long, don't you know that I hate it when people hesitate? I'm in a good mood now, so say it all at once."

"Yes. I offended Hu Gege, but Hu Gege didn't blame me. But Yuluo, who was beside Hu Gege, is nothing. She relied on the power of others and wanted me to kneel down."

After saying these words, Songzhi regretted it again.

My master used to have a very bad temper, and beating a dog depends on its owner.

By kneeling down, wasn't Hu Gege clearly slapping the concubine in the face?

"Master, don't be angry. I'm fine. I should kneel down for offending the princess." Songzhi hurriedly tried to make amends.

Nian Shilan looked at Songzhi and sighed again: "I'm sorry for putting you in such a difficult position. But today, I'm afraid it's not just Yuluo who can take advantage of others."

"What does the master mean?" Songzhi seemed to have thought of something, but she was not sure. "Well. If Hu was willing to be a princess under Ulanara for five or six years, how could she easily become my enemy? Fu Jin is her old master, is my eldest daughter from the Nian family someone who is easy to get along with?"

Nian Shilan asked Songzhi.

A thought suddenly flashed through Songzhi's mind.

"You mean, Hu Gege deliberately bumped into me and used the conch to provoke me?"

"I'm afraid so. It's obvious that Yu Luo is not a quiet person. I'm afraid Hu Gege wanted to get rid of her a long time ago, but because of her low status, she couldn't find a good excuse."

Nian Shilan said slowly.

"Then my master must not fall into Hu Gege's trap. It doesn't matter if I suffer a little injustice. I am fine. I am just worried that you will vent my anger and fall into the trap."

Songzhi waved her hands and tried to persuade Nian Shilan.

Nian Shilan sneered.

"Silly girl, do you think you'll be alright if you just hide in this palace? If I don't go looking for trouble, trouble will come looking for me. In this case, I might as well do her a favor and teach her a lesson."

Hu Gege returned to Liufang Pavilion and sent Yu Luo to the kitchen. It was not yet lunchtime, and Hu Gege said she wanted to have some snacks.

It is best to have milk tea with some not-too-sweet fruits.

Yu Luo took the order and went to the kitchen.

He happened to meet Lixia, a maid from Jinglan Courtyard, who also came to get some snacks for Nian Shilan.

Li Dafu, who was in charge of the kitchen, said to Lixia with a smile.

"Sister Lixia, you've troubled me to come here in person. I was just about to send someone to deliver it."

Lixia also smiled: "Stop talking nonsense, who is your sister? I am younger than you."

Li Dafu nodded quickly: "Oh, look at my mouth. Sister Lixia, sister."

"Have you prepared the tea and snacks that our concubine requested? The milk tea should not be too sweet, and the milk flavor should be strong. The chestnut cakes should not be too sweet either. You can prepare the rest as you see fit."

Lixia asked Li Dafu.

"It's ready. Little Linzi came over early this morning and told us that the servants have prepared everything according to Concubine's usual taste. The milk for the milk tea was just delivered this morning."

Li Dafu smiled and ordered the eunuch to carry the food box for Lixia and send it to Jinglan Courtyard.

Lixia passed by Yuluo and looked at her with pride.

Yu Luo was dissatisfied, but before she could say anything, Lixia left.

After sending Lixia away, Li Dafu saw Yuluo who had been standing next to him for a long time.

(End of this chapter)