SFS Chapter 253 Resistance
Chapter 253 Resistance
(Thanks to Adouzi for the gift, and thanks to Guanghua for his company these days. The support of my fellow book lovers is my motivation to continue writing, thank you!)
After Ye Lanyi left, Yongzheng slowly put down the exquisite teacup in his hand, his lips curled up slightly, and his deep gaze, like two flashes of lightning, fell directly on An Lingrong's delicate face. He said softly, "This tea is really good, very much to my taste. It shows that Rong'er and I have a tacit understanding."
Hearing this, An Lingrong's heart was in turmoil, but she maintained her calm and composed expression, "Your Majesty, thank you for the compliment. This is just some ordinary tangerine peel tea!"
"This tea has a unique flavor when you savor it carefully!"
"I've heard that the Emperor has always loved Pu'er tea. Why is he praising this tea so highly today?"
"Although tangerine peel tea may not look very attractive, it can promote qi circulation, eliminate phlegm, relieve summer heat and relieve coughs. Drinking it in the summer is very refreshing!"
An Lingrong looked at Yongzheng's amused expression, and the anger in her heart continued to surge like a tide. Old Bidden was tempted by her beauty and yet he spoke so nicely.
A casual word from you is someone else's life! Comfortable? You will feel even more comfortable when she slays the dragon.
She still tried hard to control her emotions, forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right, but this tangerine peel tea is only suitable for summer after all. When winter comes, I'm afraid it will just be put aside and no one will care about it, right?"
"It is a blessing for it to have my favor, even for just one summer. I think it is very good. Why don't you give this tea to me, Rong'er?"
"Your Majesty, this tea was painstakingly made by me. If it is only enjoyed for a short while, wouldn't it be a waste of my hard work? If Your Majesty enjoys tea, there are countless fine teas to offer you. I have always been weak, so please leave this tea for me to drink slowly."
Hearing her words, Yongzheng's expression gradually darkened. He pursed his lips tightly, his tone so cold it could instantly freeze anyone: "Rong'er, are you really so stingy? You can't even bear to give me some tea?"
Hearing the tone, An Lingrong knew that Lao Deng was angry. She was in a state of confusion, but there was no other way but to confront him.
She knelt straight down on the hard ground and said, "Everything I eat and drink is given by the Emperor. I will offer anything the Emperor wants, except this."
Although she was kneeling, her back was as straight as a pine tree.
Yongzheng's voice was low and unquestionable: "If you like it, I can find a better one for you!"
An Lingrong shook her head and replied firmly, "New clothes are worse than old ones, and old people are worse than old ones. In my heart, she is the best."
Seeing this, Yongzheng's heart suddenly surged with anger. As the king of a country, he ruled over all the people in the world. When had anyone dared to disobey his will like this?
But she contributed the cowpox treatment method, which has already shown initial success, and she is a person of merit. Yongzheng slowed down his speech, trying to make his voice less harsh, and said slowly: "Princess Wen, you have always been sensible and able to understand my feelings and make me happy. Why are you so stubborn today?"
An Lingrong simply spoke out, "I understand Your Majesty's intentions, but... that maidservant is my personal servant. If Your Majesty insists on taking her into the harem, I'm afraid the concubines in the palace will gossip about me, accusing me of using any means necessary to win your favor. How will I survive in this palace then? How will I face the gossip of my sisters? So, Your Majesty, please reconsider."
After hearing An Lingrong's reasons, Yongzheng's expression softened a bit, his tense features loosening slightly. "Since that's the case, I'll send someone to Baijun Garden to pass on my decree. This matter has nothing to do with you. I'll also issue an edict to make an exception and appoint her as a concubine, which will save your face. Su Peisheng..."
"Your Majesty!" An Lingrong interrupted him directly, gritting her teeth and saying, "Your Majesty, are you forcing me to do this?"
"How dare you!" Yongzheng shouted angrily, his face instantly filled with gloom. He picked up the teacup beside him and threw it heavily in front of An Lingrong.
Instantly, the tea splashed everywhere, landing on her clothes. Fortunately, the tea had cooled down a bit, leaving only a wet mark on her clothes. The flying porcelain fragments scratched the back of her tender white hand, leaving a tiny trace of blood.
An Lingrong seemed oblivious, "I dare not be so presumptuous!"
"Although she is your maid, I am her real master!"
"Your Majesty is the ruler of the world, rich as the seas, but you should also know that a forced melon is not sweet!"
Yongzheng showed a confident look, with the corners of his mouth raised, with a hint of unquestionable pride: "Then call her back and ask her!"
Which woman, once he took a fancy to her, would not be overjoyed and filled with gratitude? Not only would they themselves, but their entire families would also rise to prominence. He believed that no one in the world could refuse such a favor.
An Lingrong knelt on the ground, her mind racing. She knew Ye Lanyi was reluctant to enter the palace, but if she was summoned, even if she felt extremely reluctant, she would ultimately compromise under the Emperor's authority. Otherwise, she would have angered Yongzheng for nothing.
Thinking of this, she hardened her heart and said directly: "There is no need to call her over, I can make the decision for her."
This is too much. He is even more unreasonable than the emperor!
"Are you going to disobey the order?"
With such a big hat put on her, An Lingrong felt that she could not bear it any longer, and she kept roaring in her heart: Sister, come and save me!
Ye Lanyi, listening to the noise from upstairs, paled. She had never imagined that Concubine Wen would risk the wrath of the Emperor to help a humble person like her. If the Emperor punished her, Concubine Wen herself would be in danger.
Thinking of this, she resolutely lifted up her skirt and prepared to walk towards the stairs.
Su Ye, who had been standing by, suddenly rushed forward and quickly grabbed Ye Lanyi's arm: "Don't go. If you go, all the Queen's efforts will be in vain!"
"But the queen..."
Su Ye looked at the anxious Ye Lan Yi in front of her, and her heart was also filled with worry. But even so, she still believed that her queen was a sensible person. She increased the strength in her hands again and held Ye Lan Yi tightly.