Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 292 What does the Empress think of Yun Baolin?

After hearing this, Consort Chun simply said "Oh," as if she hadn't taken it to heart at all, leaving Xiao Nianzi somewhat confused.

In the past, whenever he came to report at this time as usual, the Empress's expression was normal, but she always seemed somewhat uncomfortable.

Ruizhu waved her little hand and scolded, "Can't you see that your aunt just came back? Why do you have to come at this time to spoil the fun? I'll make sure your aunt punishes you later."

Xiao Nianzi: "..."

Should I report back later? Xiao Nianzi pondered this with concern.

Aunt Mei took out a packet of carved candied fruit from her bag. "Take this to the front hall and share it with them. The Lady of the Marquis specially asked me to bring it."

Xiao Nianzi thanked him with a smile, then, clutching the candied fruit, hurried away.

The hour of Xu (7-9 PM).

After listening to Aunt Mei recount the events of the manor with great satisfaction, Mengzhu and the others were preparing to serve Consort Chun as she washed up. Consort Chun, on a whim, had two bath tubs brought over, intending to bathe with Huayan.

Since entering the palace, the two of them haven't taken a bath together in a long time.

Aunt Mei looked troubled, thinking that the Emperor wouldn't be coming tonight, so she also asked Mengzhu to send someone to make arrangements.

"Entering the palace is not as good as staying in the manor. Miss has a bathhouse in her courtyard. Everything in Huining Palace is fine, but the bath tub is a waste for Miss." Ruizhu said casually as she added soup with a sachet.

Mengzhu glared at her, "You're so talkative. Your aunt should discipline her too."

Aunt Mei was mentally preparing her response when the Madam gave her a sackful of instructions. There were so many people earlier that she hadn't been able to relay them all yet, as she had been busy distributing gifts.

Upon hearing this, Aunt Mei also said, "Ruizhu should be punished. She should be punished by putting away these two bath tubs tonight, and none of you are allowed to help her."

Hua Yan, arm in arm with Consort Chun, entered the inner palace. Both of them were dressed in moon-white nightgowns, with plain clothes and black hair. Even without their headdresses and earrings, they were still radiant and beautiful, like fairies from the Jade Terrace.

Hua Yan had already heard the commotion, and a smile involuntarily appeared on her lips.

Back when she first met the Second Miss at the Lin'an Mansion, Ruizhu was just like that, clamoring for the young lady to change her name. When Hua Yan recalled the Second Miss solemnly reciting Ruizhu's old nickname, she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Consort Chun looked at Hua Yan in surprise, and Hua Yan smiled and pointed at Rui Zhu: "Gou Hua'er really deserves to be punished."

"Pfft-"

Only then did everyone remember that Ruizhu had such a name, and the hall was filled with jubilation.

Only Donggua remained silent in the corner. Her former name was Dunzi, which wasn't a very pleasant name either.

After the two masters began to bathe, Aunt Mei only kept Mengzhu and Ruizhu to serve them, and sent the rest of the people away.

As Aunt Mei was talking about Lady Zhou, Consort Chun recalled the incident with the viper at the Prince's residence and felt a chill run down her spine.

"It really is her, she is truly a wicked woman—but why were the two spots treated with different needles?"

Hua Yan lowered her eyes and explained, "In the harem, although Consort Mei is favored by the Empress Dowager, the Duke of Qing's mansion is not as powerful as before; the Marquis of Lin'an's mansion is a newly powerful family and has not yet gained much influence; although the Xie family, where Consort Xie is from, is a noble family, it is far from threatening her."

Consort Rong is different. The Li family of Zhao County is related to powerful families by marriage and controls the Grand Canal. This may arouse the Empress's suspicion, and she may want to take the opportunity to destroy her. At that time, she may also drag the Empress down with her.

However, these are just my guesses; I can't fully deduce her intentions. But all we need to know is that the Empress was involved.

Consort Chun remained silent for a moment, then said resentfully, "If this evidence were presented to the Emperor..."

"No, it's not the right time yet. Firstly, the Emperor still needs the Jiang family, and secondly, why should we take action?"

Aunt Mei nodded, her reverence for Hua Yan growing ever stronger.

"The lady also sent a message through me, saying that she would reveal clues when the time is right. I'm sure Li will find out, and then let Consort Rong fight with the Empress."

"By the way—regarding Consort Yang, Madam sent people to investigate after the palace selection, but no problems have been found yet."

Hua Yan replied, "Let's wait and see how things develop."

After taking a bath, Hua Yan also learned from Aunt Mei that her uncle and Xiu Yun (Huan Yun) were doing very well. Xiu Yun had also found a marriage for Ding Xiang, who turned out to be one of Meng Zhu's cousins.

As night fell, Consort Chun invited Hua Yan to stay the night with her again, and the two talked on the bed for a full half hour.

"What does Your Highness think of Consort Yun?" Hua Yan asked, resting one hand behind her head and turning her head to look at Consort Chun.

Consort Chun said calmly, "She's quite talkative... but her personality is actually somewhat similar to that of my third sister; she's not a bad person."

......

Ganlu Temple.

When Consort Rong served the emperor, Yun Yao felt a pang of envy.

Du Juan, standing to the side, felt indignant on behalf of her mistress: "Your mistress is, after all, Consort Chun's own cousin. It's just a plate of snacks... What use would it be if it were sent to Cining Palace?"

Yun Yao sighed, "What my cousin said makes sense. For a young lady from a humble background like me, it is indeed a bit too hasty. But with my cousin here, we will eventually see that day."

Du Juan dared not say anything more. Pointing to the fabric beside her, she said softly, "Consort Chun sent two bolts of snow cloud gauze. Would it be alright if I made an outer garment for you these next few days?"

"My cousin sent them to all the palaces. If everyone wears them in a few days, they will lose their novelty."

Besides, my cousin is very beautiful, and the snow-white gauze makes her even more elegant. Your young lady's looks are only above average, so what use is an outer garment to her?"

Du Juan: "......"

"Then shall I put away all these rewards?"

On the chicken-wing wood inlaid with marble table in front of me, there were not only gifts from Consort Chun, but also a set of jewelry from the Empress Dowager, and two pieces of jewelry from the Empress and Consort Mei. Even Consort Rong, who was in the same palace, sent two bolts of Shu brocade.

Yun Yao rested her chin on her hand, a hint of timidity flashing across her face: "My grandfather served as an official for over forty years, and his salary was probably less than half of these rewards."

"My mother spent a lot of money arranging things for me when I entered the palace this time. The box of jewelry that my cousin sent was mostly from Yongbaolou and was not in the style of the palace. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will send it out of the palace so that my mother can supplement the family income."

Du Juan advised, "Even when Your Highness travels within the palace, you need to make arrangements..."

Yun Yao walked towards the bed and said nonchalantly, "With my cousin looking after me, how could any ignorant palace servant dare to neglect me? After I serve the emperor and get promoted, my monthly allowance will be more than enough."

......

The day before the Dragon Boat Festival, Green Willow twirled her fingers and said mischievously, "There are nine new concubines this time. The Emperor will definitely stay at Renming Palace on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. I'm afraid he won't come these next few days."

Hua Yan: "......"

“The Emperor wouldn’t be so ‘perfect’ in every way. Apart from Consort Xie, the other new concubines will have to wait a while.” Hua Yan tapped Lv Liu’s little head. “You must have learned this from Granny Zhou. How can you be so mischievous?”

Let the Emperor rest too! Hua Yan couldn't help but tease him.

No sooner had these words been spoken than Xia'er came out of the palace to report that the Emperor had arrived.