As May arrived, the weather became increasingly hot.
“Sister Wan has arrived. Please have a seat.”
Shun Pin greeted Ning Wanyin with a smile and then directed her maids, “The weather is so hot now. It’s kind of you to come every few days, Sister. Quickly set the ice chest in front of my sister. Chun Que, go and bring out the fresh peaches that arrived today!”
Chun Que brought out a plate of cherry-red fruit, while several palace servants placed ice chests around Ning Wanyin.
When Ning Wanyin first came, she was very unfriendly to her. But from the second day onwards, she treated her like a goddess.
“Thank you, Shun Pin.” Ning Wanyin bowed politely, as always, neither humble nor arrogant.
Ning Wanyin inspected Changchun Palace as usual and asked the imperial physician to inquire about Shun Pin’s condition.
Finally, she looked at Shun Pin and said, “There is a poetry gathering in the palace tonight. I know Your Majesty must be feeling bored since you can’t go out, but with so many people around, we still need to be careful.”
The tradition of holding a poetry gathering in the imperial harem during the summer is a custom that has been passed down from an unknown dynasty.
His Majesty will be attending in person, and all the concubines are dressed in their finest attire, eagerly awaiting his arrival. Tonight, Tinglan Palace is sure to be a lively place.
“Don’t worry, Sister Wan, I know. I won’t go out.” Shun Pin nodded in agreement.
She almost miscarried after going out to pay her respects once. Although she found it boring, she really didn’t dare to go out.
Seeing that she understood, Ning Wanyin said no more.
The most troublesome are the concubines who refuse to cooperate.
Although Shun Pin has many ulterior motives, fortunately, she knows the importance of protecting her pregnancy.
After checking everything as usual, Ning Wanyin got up and left.
“Please wait a moment, Sister Wan. This morning, the Imperial Household Department sent over two boxes of newly made rouge. I think the colors are beautiful and would suit you perfectly, so I’m giving them to you.”
Shun Pin gestured to Chun Que.
Chun Que immediately brought two boxes of rouge and presented them to Ning Wanyin.
“Your Highness Shun Pin is too kind…”
“It’s nothing special, just a token of my appreciation. Please don’t refuse, Sister Wan.” Shun Pin quickly said.
Ning Wanyin curtsied, “Then this concubine will accept the offer without being impolite. Thank you, Shun Pin.”
Leaving Changchun Palace, Ning Wanyin boarded the colorful sedan chair and left.
“Your Highness Shun Pin sends you things every few days…”
Lian Rui asked in a low voice, “What should we do with this rouge?”
“Store it in the storeroom.” Ning Wanyin said calmly.
If she doesn’t accept it, Shun Pin won’t feel at ease. Shun Pin is now afraid that she’ll find an excuse to back out.
…
The Imperial Garden, Lotus Pond—
“Master, look how beautiful these lotus flowers are…” Shi’er pointed to the lotus flowers in front of her.
A faint smile appeared on Song Qingzhi’s face: “The lotus is noble and pure, born in mud, yet unstained by dust.”
“The Master is truly insightful. I heard that the one from Lingxue Pavilion also said she likes lotus flowers, but she likes lotus flowers because they bring many children and good fortune…” Shi’er mocked.
Song Qingzhi sneered, “Vulgar!”
“That kind of person is not worthy of being compared to the Master. No matter how much His Majesty favors her for a time, your rank is now higher than hers, and she can only bow respectfully before you.” Shi’er flattered her.
Upon hearing this, Song Qingzhi was in a very good mood.
Ever since entering the palace, she had been secretly competing with Ning Wanyin. Now, with this promotion, she felt that she could finally hold her head high!
As the master and servant were talking, a procession of colorful banners passed by on the palace path outside the nearby flowering trees.
Through the gaps in the flower shadows, Song Qingzhi immediately recognized the person in the sedan chair as Ning Wanyin.
“She’s just a Meiren, yet she travels back and forth in a sedan chair every day. How ostentatious!” Shi’er said indignantly.
The smile on Song Qingzhi’s face turned cold. She said, “Stop her.”
The palace road is adjacent to the Imperial Garden.
Going through this narrow path will allow you to block the procession.
Shi’er obeyed the order and immediately ran out, blocking the way of the colorful banners.
She said arrogantly, “Who is this person? So rude! Not even bowing to our Jieyu!”
Everyone was baffled.
Where was the Jieyu?
Ning Wanyin looked in the direction she had run from and saw a woman in a white dress walking out of the tree-lined path.
It is Song Qingzhi.
“This concubine was unaware that Song Jieyu was here.”
Ning Wanyin explained as she stepped down from the sedan chair, supported by Lian Rui, and bowed deeply to Song Qingzhi.
“Greetings to Song Jieyu!”
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Loveguy On CFRFGC Chapter 12