Chapter 100: The Legend of Zhen Huan - An Lingrong 10

"Which palace we live in is arranged by the Emperor and Empress. How can we just decide which one to live in?"

"Consort Wan has never admitted to this matter; it's all just our own speculation." Consort Shen quickly spoke up to defend Consort Wan.

"Although Suiyu Pavilion is remote, it is quiet and peaceful, which I like very much."

Consort Wan initially believed that the Emperor was repairing the house for her, since many people had said so, and she inevitably developed expectations.

Yongshou Palace is closest to Yangxin Hall, so it's not true that she doesn't like it.

Upon learning that the repairs were for Consort Shu, she felt somewhat disappointed, but she accepted it as a matter of fate.

The Emperor never said that Yongshou Palace was prepared for her; they were just mistaken.

"The main hall of Yanxi Palace is where Consort Fucha lives. Once a concubine is promoted to a titled Consort, it is no longer appropriate for her to continue living in the east wing of Yanxi Palace."

That's why His Majesty moved me to Yongshou Palace; I only learned of this yesterday.

An Lingrong was explaining to the other concubines, and also to Consort Wan, so as not to make her think that she was deliberately making fun of her.

"That's right. Consort Shu is now half a rank higher than Consort Fucha. It would be bad for both of them to continue living in Yanxi Palace."

Consort Jing smiled and interjected, helping An Lingrong and the others out of the predicament.

Consort Fucha also felt that Consort Jing was right. Now that Consort Shu had become a Noble Lady, there were only two options for Yanxi Palace.

First, Consort Shu should be moved out of Yanxi Palace; second, she should be moved out of the main hall. If she were moved out of the main hall, how embarrassing would that be? So it's better for Consort Shu to be moved out!

"Alright, Consort Jing is right. Let's leave it at that and not mention it again." The Empress, having had her fill of the drama, stepped in to smooth things over.

"Yes," the concubines responded, and the matter was considered closed.

Yongshou Palace —

"It's snowing, it's snowing..."

The laughter of eunuchs and palace maids drifted into the hall. An Lingrong heard the noise, walked to the door, pushed it open, and looked outside.

Snowflakes fluttered down from the sky, dressing the white plum blossoms in a white veil. From a distance, it was impossible to distinguish between the plum blossoms and the falling snow on the tree.

An Lingrong reached out and caught a snowflake. She felt a slight chill in her palm before the snowflake melted into water.

"Your Highness, be careful not to catch a cold." Qingwu took a pink cloak and draped it over An Lingrong's shoulders.

"How about we have a snowball fight!" An Lingrong's eyes lit up as she looked at the thick snow on the ground, and she said excitedly.

"Yes, you can, but you have to drink ginger soup after you're done playing."

Very well, Qingwu's words immediately dampened An Lingrong's desire to play; she hated ginger soup the most.

"Is it absolutely necessary to drink it?" An Lingrong asked, looking aggrieved and unwilling to give up.

Qingwu nodded firmly, "I absolutely have to drink it."

"Never mind then." An Lingrong took a step back and slammed the door shut, acting as if nothing had just happened.

"Qingwu, go and get my moon lute. I'm itching to play."

This moon lute was not the one she originally used in the mansion, but one she obtained from the Imperial Household Department.

"yes."

A moment later, Qingwu brought over the moon lute. An Lingrong plucked the strings, tested the sound, and began to play.

At some unknown time, the Emperor quietly arrived at Shengyu Hall, the east wing of Yongshou Palace, where An Lingrong was staying.

Just as Qingwu was about to remind An Lingrong, the Emperor gestured for her not to disturb him.

Qingwu could only curtsy to the Emperor and then silently retreat to the side.

"I once heard the moon zither played at the lakeside pavilion, and I dream of its lingering melody in the moon palace." As the song ended, the emperor couldn't help but recite a poem in praise.