Chapter 243: Meeting Consort Yun
Wen Mingqian arrived at the Empress’s Palace and saw that the Empress had already removed her outer clothes and taken off her hair ornaments.
She smiled and said, “Her Ladyship the Empress must have had a tiring day. This servant will light some incense for you and give you a massage.”
The Empress sighed and said, “Forget about the rest, just this costume is making my bones ache.”
With the King of Fenye and the Princess returning to the capital, the Emperor and Empress’s reception had to be grand. Therefore, the Empress’s auspicious clothes and jewelry worn today had to match, and the nine-phoenix crown alone weighed nearly five catties.
Moreover, the fabric of the clothes the Empress wore was exceptionally luxurious. Except for the innermost three layers which were of a light texture, the outer layers were all made of thick fabric. To appear solemn, they were all made wide and long, and their weight was indeed not light.
Wen Mingqian skillfully lit the incense and washed her hands before massaging the Empress.
The Empress closed her eyes comfortably and said, “Only your massage technique suits my preference; the others are either too light or too heavy.”
“Your Ladyship, this servant has come to ask what you would like for dinner? So that they can prepare it,” Yu Lu said as he tiptoed in.
“There was a steamed eight treasures dish at today’s banquet, which I was going to eat, but unfortunately, it was a bit cold and not tasty anymore. Have them steam a small bowl for me tonight,” the Empress said faintly.
“Yes, but the steamed eight treasures dish doesn’t pair well with other dishes. How about asking them to add a soup?” Yu Lu asked cautiously.
“That will do!” The Empress fell silent.
The Empress loved sweets. This steamed eight treasures dish contained many dried fruits and preserves, and was also mixed with honey water.
No wonder the Empress had poor teeth.
“By the way, have the two Princesses returned to their imperial chambers? Have their attendants pay attention to their needs, and promptly provide anything they lack, so they don’t feel neglected by me,” the Empress added.
Yu Lu, who had already turned to leave, now gave a look to the little eunuch beside him.
He meant for the eunuch to tell the people in the Imperial Kitchen to prepare dinner for the Empress, while he himself stayed to answer the Empress.
“This servant was just about to tell Your Ladyship! Princess Duanmin said she would not be staying in Hui Xiang Palace and would be staying with the Grand Princess in Ming Cui Palace. This servant has already brought people to move her things over there.”
“This…” The Empress hesitated, “Very well! Let her do as she pleases! Later, you will send Zhou Fu to serve the King of Fenye!”
“This servant will have him go now,” Yu Lu quickly agreed.
The Empress had originally arranged for Hui Xiang Palace to be for the King of Fenye and Princess Duanmin to stay in, but since Princess Duanmin would not be staying there, only the King of Fenye would be living there alone.
In the side hall of Hui Xiang Palace, Yu Chao held a curved saber in his hand. The blade caught the candlelight, revealing its sharp gleam.
A follower came in and asked, “Master, our Princess says she’s hungry and wants to eat roast mutton. She’s asking if you want any?”
They had been too busy playing today and hadn’t eaten much at the banquet, and besides, they weren’t used to the food.
Yu Chao’s eyes flickered, and he asked him, “Did Zhuola Han invite that boy Gong Changan?”
“That… this subordinate doesn’t know,” the follower shook his head.
“Idiot, go and find out,” Yu Chao glared at him.
The follower left dejectedly and returned shortly, saying, “The Princess said Gong Changan has something to attend to and cannot come. If the Prince wishes to see Miss Sang Er, he can go to the Grand Consort’s side.”
Yu Chao was not embarrassed to have his thoughts revealed, and he clapped his hands and laughed, “As expected of my sister. Then let’s go to the Grand Consort’s side for roast meat.”
They all referred to Princess Duanmin as the Grand Consort.
The next morning, the Empress had breakfast with the two Princesses.
The Grand Princess saw that her complexion was not very good and asked, “Did the Empress sleep poorly last night? You look a bit tired.”
The Empress said apologetically, “My head wind condition has flared up again. In previous years, I wouldn’t have been able to sit up at this time, but this year I’m much better. I suppose it’s due to the change of season that it’s acting up again.”
“It must be that you’ve been tired these past few days,” the Grand Princess said. “Don’t bother accompanying us anymore. Hurry back and lie down to rest. Don’t let it get worse.”
She added, “We are not guests, we will make ourselves at home. Don’t worry about taking care of us. It’s important that you recover from your illness.”
The Empress then no longer refused and returned to her palace, calling for Wen Mingqian to burn a strong batch of incense for her so she could sleep soundly for half the day.
After Wen Mingqian finished attending to the Empress, she went to Ming Cui Palace to pay her respects.
Princess Duanmin said, “I really like the incense you make. You are also the Aunt’s adopted daughter. This set of hair ornaments is a gift from me, so don’t refuse. I don’t like all this back and forth.”
Wen Mingqian looked at the Grand Princess, who smiled and nodded, “Take it if she’s giving it to you. She has plenty of good things anyway.”
Wen Mingqian then thanked her for the gift.
Afterward, someone from Consort Hui’s palace came to invite them, “Her Ladyship wishes to host lunch today and invites the two Princesses to grace our palace with their presence.”
The Grand Princess did not speak. Princess Duanmin said coolly, “There’s no need to trouble Her Ladyship Consort Hui. I ate a bit too much yesterday and still haven’t digested it!”
When Shen Fu and Bu Yuegui had their incident, Consort Hui was the first to step forward as a witness. Of course, at that time, she wasn’t Consort Hui yet, just Consort Yun.
The person who came looked embarrassed and naturally didn’t say anything further, agreeing and leaving.
Wen Mingqian watched from the side and could tell that the current Princess Duanmin was too lazy to cater to the people in the palace.
Whether it was the Empress or others, if she didn’t like them, she wouldn’t pay them any mind.
“I didn’t see Consort Yun at the palace banquet yesterday,” Duanmin said. “I heard she’s been ill all these years. I’d like to go and see her.”
“Then let’s go together. Mingqian, you come too,” the Grand Princess said, glancing at Wen Mingqian.
Upon arriving at Consort Yun’s palace, the Ninth Princess came out to greet them first.
“Linglong, I didn’t have a chance to get a good look at you yesterday. You’ve truly grown into a young lady,” Duanmin said to the Ninth Princess with emotion. “How has your mother been lately?”
“My mother is well today. Your Ladyship, please follow me,” the Ninth Princess led the way. Wen Mingqian also took the opportunity to get a clear look at the courtyard.
There were many flowers and trees, and it was very serene. Although it was inevitably a bit lonely, it didn’t appear dilapidated.
Consort Yun was not favored in the palace, so those who were good at discriminating against people would naturally make things difficult for her.
However, Consort Yun didn’t care, living a secluded life with her daughter.
Unless it was something particularly important, she wouldn’t leave this courtyard.
However, she should have attended yesterday, but she didn’t, which made Wen Mingqian a little puzzled.
Chunmei quickly lifted the curtain and paid her respects to the two Princesses.
“Sister Consort Yun, why didn’t I see you yesterday?” Princess Duanmin asked as soon as she entered.
“Grand Princess, Princess Duanmin, please forgive my rudeness… cough cough…” Consort Yun struggled to get up from the bed. “It’s just that I’ve been coughing severely these past few days, and I couldn’t help it at the banquet… cough cough… It must have been disappointing for everyone… cough cough…”
