Chapter 57 Meal

If she saw correctly, all the utensils in this room were made of gold and jade. For example, the set of tea cups on the table were made of white jade.

The pattern on the floor-standing cabinet is made of mother-of-pearl craftsmanship and is inlaid with pearls and gems.

There is also a half-person-high screen in front of the bed, which is made of double-sided Suzhou embroidery and embroidered with a famous painting from past dynasties - the Beauty of Luoshen.

These objects are gorgeous, complex and extraordinary just by looking at them, and the decoration is even more luxurious than her Cuiwei Garden.

Fuling paused, then smiled again and said, "Of course not. It's just because you are of noble status, the wife of the Lu family, and invited into the palace by the Concubine Shu. Naturally, you are different from ordinary palace servants. This is specially arranged for you. I hope you can get used to it."

Yun Wan's brows were expressionless, and it was unclear whether she believed it or not.

Fuling's heart was beating fast. After a moment's hesitation, she asked softly, "If Auntie doesn't like it, then I'll ask someone to change it?"

She remembered Eunuch Jiang's advice clearly: everything should be based on Mrs. Lu's wishes.

Fuling didn't understand what was so special about Lu Sixiang's identity, but she knew it was right to listen to Eunuch Jiang.

It is her duty to take good care of Lu Sixiang.

Although her doubts were still there, Yun Wan knew that it would be no trouble to switch back and forth, so she waved her hand and said, "No need, let's leave it like this."

Fuling nodded: "Okay! Madam, please rest first. I'll make you a pot of tea!"

While drinking tea, Fuling was helping Yunwan pack her luggage to bring into the palace.

They are neither big nor small, just some small things used in daily life, and a set of incense burners. As for the other things, they cannot be brought in, and there is no need to bring them in. All food, clothing and other expenses are arranged and allocated in the palace.

When she first entered the palace, Yun Wan did not bring any maids with her, fearing that they were not familiar with the palace rules and might accidentally break taboos and offend the masters and nobles.

The palace is different from the outside world. The rules are strict and there are many cases of people losing their lives due to beatings and scolding.

The luggage was almost packed and Yun Wan had rested enough. Accompanied by Fuling, she went to the Sixiang Bureau. After visiting the place where they would work in the next few months and meeting several people in charge, she went to Shufei's Changchun Palace.

In front of Changchun Palace, Huipin stopped and asked the senior palace maid beside her: "Who was the woman who just entered? Why haven't I seen her before?"

Could it be that she is the emperor’s new woman?

But she hadn't heard that the emperor had taken in a new wife in these days. In fact, the emperor had hardly visited the harem in these years. They didn't dare to say it out loud, but they actually suspected in their hearts that the emperor had a hidden illness?

Could it be that the emperor actually had no hidden illness at all? Was the harem, after years of peace and tranquility like a stagnant pool of water, finally about to be disturbed?

Huipin secretly complained in her heart.

The head maid said: "My lady, that is the perfumer that Concubine Shu invited from outside the palace."

Upon hearing this, Huipin was stunned: "Is she crazy?! To invite such a beautiful person in?"

She had seen it clearly just now. The woman who passed by had a fragrant scent, fair skin, black hair, exquisite facial features, and an ethereal temperament. She was dressed simply but her celestial beauty could not be concealed. She was a rare and top-notch beauty.

What did this Concubine Shu want to do by summoning such a stunning beauty? Had all these peaceful years made her mind muddleheaded?

Seeing that she had strayed from the topic, the head maid quickly explained, "Don't worry, young lady. This Lu Xiangshi is the sister-in-law of Consort Shu, the third wife of the Lu family, and is said to be a widow."

Huipin frowned: "What's wrong with being a widow? Aren't there many emperors throughout history who have taken widows as concubines?"

The head maid said, "I heard that this Madam Lu has an unfortunate fate. She is unlucky for her husband and mother. She was willing to remain faithful to her late husband and gave birth to a son. Others keep their distance from her. Our Majesty attaches great importance to rules. My lady, rest assured. His Majesty is of noble status. How could he be interested in such a woman?"

Huipin frowned and said nothing.

Really? Why did she feel that it wasn't certain?

She is unlucky for her husband and mother, has an unlucky fate, but remains faithful to her husband and is also stunningly beautiful. How can it sound like she is even more desirable to conquer her?

.........

In the main hall of Changchun Palace, after Yun Wan finished her greetings, Concubine Shu personally helped her up and asked gently:

"How is it? Are you satisfied with the place you live? If not, just tell me. I can ask them to move you in. Or you can live in Changchun Palace, which is the same. It's just a little further to go to the Sixiang Bureau on weekdays."

Yun Wan maintained a docile appearance and said with a faint smile, "Your Majesty, I am very satisfied."

Concubine Shu said generously, "As long as you are satisfied, if you need anything, just tell me and I will have someone send it to you."

There was a relaxed look on her face, no trace of gloom, and she looked like she had had a good rest these past few days.

It was indeed so. She solved several of her worries, won the emperor's praise, and surpassed the one in Yaohua Palace. These days, Concubine Shu was in high spirits.

Especially when she heard the manager in charge of the inner garden say that he knew Yun Wan was hers and did not dare to treat her badly, so he specially selected an independent small courtyard for Yun Wan, Concubine Shu was even happier.

These lowly palace maids usually change their attitude according to the situation, putting down those who are inferior and praising those who are superior. Now they are so tactful, isn't it just that they want to flatter her?

When she was in a good mood, everything seemed particularly pleasing to her eyes, and Concubine Shu's eyes were filled with confidence and boldness.

She patted Yun Wan's hand gently and said gently, "Don't worry, sister-in-law. Once this matter is settled, I will ask His Majesty to allow Xu Daru to be Asui's teacher and give him lessons."

Concubine Shu knew that Asui admired Xu Daru and longed to visit him, but Xu Daru was such a highly respected person and had retired long ago, so how could she meet him whenever she wanted?

But considering that Yun Wan is her own, she doesn't mind asking the emperor for help. As for whether the emperor will agree or not, it doesn't matter. As long as Yun Wan can see that she has tried her best, that's enough.

As expected, Yun Wan showed gratitude: "Your Majesty's kindness, I will never forget it."

The two exchanged pleasantries for a moment, and then Concubine Shu ordered the palace servants, "It's getting late, Chuntang, hurry up and serve the meal."

"The imperial kitchen has recently added a few new dishes, which are said to be from the southern cuisine. It's a good time for you to try them." She said to Yun Wan.

This means she will be invited to have lunch.

Yun Wan had just responded when the call from outside rang out like thunder.

"Your Majesty has arrived—"

The two were stunned for a moment, and then reacted differently.

Concubine Shu was overjoyed and stood up to go to the door to greet him, not noticing that Yun Wan's expression changed slightly.

Emperor Jingxuan arrived very quickly, without taking off his court robes. The moment he stepped into the hall with his golden dragon-patterned boots, his clothes fluttered, and he looked extremely noble.

His eyes caught Yun Wan's eye the first moment, but he was immediately interrupted.

Concubine Shu went up to greet him with a smile: "Your Majesty has arrived at the perfect time. I have ordered lunch. Would you like to stay and have lunch with us?"

Emperor Jingxuan responded indifferently, his eyes lingering behind her.

Seeing this, Concubine Shu finally remembered Yun Wan's existence and introduced her to him with a smile, "She is Yun, the widow of my late third brother. She is also the incense master I recommended to you. Your Majesty has previously praised her incense making."

Emperor Jingxuan seemed to suddenly realize: "I remember now, this is what happened."

Feeling uncomfortable under his gaze, and afraid of being noticed by Concubine Shu, Yun Wan stood up and was about to leave.

Concubine Shu was not in a hurry to agree, but she heard Emperor Jingxuan suddenly say:

"I'm sorry I came at an inopportune time and disturbed your sister-in-law's meal."