Chapter 9
Chapter Summary: Adaptation.
"Even with all the scar-soothing medicine applied to the Empress Dowager's body, marks still remain."
Yu Jing's right shoulder was uncovered, and A Yu was applying medicine to it. The ointment was cool and refreshing, and felt quite comfortable on her right shoulder. Hearing A Yu's words, Yu Jing tilted her head slightly, glanced at the faint scar on the wound, and replied, "The sword pierced deep, but it's fortunate it didn't kill me. I wouldn't ask for anything more."
Hearing Sheng Hua's words, A Yu assumed Sheng Hua was unhappy, so she fell silent and quietly applied the medicine to Sheng Hua. Since Sheng Hua's assassination attempt, she had truly changed a lot, to the point that A Yu hardly recognized her. But, she was indeed Sheng Hua.
Yu Jing has been inside Sheng Hua's body for nearly three months. During these three months, Yu Jing has been hiding in Cining Palace under the pretext of recuperating from her injuries, rarely seeing anyone. Since Xie Xuan has also been guarding Cining Palace, Yu Jing has nothing to worry about.
The medicine on her shoulder was applied, and then it was her hands' turn. Her hand had gripped the sword's edge, leaving two long, horizontal scars on Yu Jing's palms and fingers. The new flesh was a different color than the original, and even with the finest scar-soothing ointment, the scars were still immediately noticeable. Although unsightly, Yu Jing didn't dwell on it. After all, this was Sheng Hua's body; once she returned to the Heavenly Court, the scars would naturally disappear.
While applying the medicine, Ayu suddenly remembered something and tentatively said to Shenghua, "Your Majesty, today, Lord Su sent someone to deliver another letter."
Yu Jing sighed inwardly and replied, "Let's go back."
"Yes," Ayu replied softly, her brows furrowed.
Although she didn't know what had happened between Sheng Hua and Su Siyang, Ayu could clearly sense that Sheng Hua had become much colder towards Su Siyang. In fact, she felt that Sheng Hua was avoiding Su Siyang whenever possible.
Ayu stopped herself from thinking. No matter what, it was Shenghua's business, and as a servant, she shouldn't speculate. With that in mind, she focused on applying the medicine to Shenghua.
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." A voice from Xiaoting rang out from outside.
Yu Jing and A Yu glanced at the direction of the palace gate at the same time, and then Yu Jing responded, "What is it?"
"Her Majesty the Empress requests an audience."
Yu Jing watched as A Yu applied medicine to herself, and after a moment of silence, she replied, "Let her in."
"Yes," Xiao Ting replied. After a moment of silence outside, the door was opened.
Ayu had almost finished applying the medicine and quickly tidied up the medicine before Zhang Qingcen came in. Just as she picked up the medicine tray, Zhang Qingcen entered.
"This servant greets Your Majesty the Empress." After bowing and paying her respects to Zhang Qingcen, Ayu took the medicine tray out, handed it to the palace maid outside, and then came back in to serve.
During her recovery, Yu Jing reflected carefully. She had indeed acted impulsively when she first possessed Sheng Hua's body. Even though her personality was very different from Sheng Hua's, she should still act like an empress dowager and be more composed. Since she had accepted this task, she had to do it well no matter what.
Yu Jing lowered her eyes slightly and looked at Zhang Qingcen. She had seen her portrait before, and when she saw it, she felt that Zhang Qingcen looked dignified and elegant, with the demeanor and temperament of an empress.
Today she wore a long, turquoise robe with phoenix patterns, the intricate designs shimmering slightly as she moved. A pale yellow phoenix-tail belt cinched her waist, a striking contrast against the large expanse of turquoise. A jade pendant hung from the belt, swaying gently.
"Your Majesty, I greet you." Zhang Qingcen stood down in the hall and bowed to Yu Jing to pay her respects.
Yu Jing could see clearly that her bowing and manners were proper, more comfortable and elegant than others, and she looked like a lady from a prestigious family.
"Get up and sit down," Yu Jing responded. At that moment, she was sitting on the couch. Although she was lazy, Sheng Hua was, after all, the Empress Dowager, and her demeanor was not bad.
"Thank you, Mother." Zhang Qingcen responded and sat down on the armchair next to the small table.
"Is Your Majesty feeling any better lately? I personally prepared a Lingzhi pigeon soup for you, Your Majesty. Please try it." Zhang Qingcen said, glancing at the palace maid who followed her in.
The palace maid understood and handed the soup to Ayu. Ayu took it, tested it with a silver needle to check for poison, and only after confirming that there was no problem did she place it in front of Yu Jing.
Yu Jing picked up the spoon, took a sip, and then put it down. Actually, the soup was not bad, but she had drunk too many nourishing soups in the past three months, so much so that she didn't feel anything when she drank soup now.
"It tastes good," Yu Jing said seriously.
"I'm glad Mother is pleased," Zhang Qingcen replied with a smug smile.
"Your Majesty, I have come to discuss something with you."
Upon hearing Zhang Qingcen's words, Yu Jing looked up and met her eyes.
"The New Year will be here in a few days, and Mother's health has improved significantly. For the New Year's banquet, Mother..." Zhang Qingcen paused here, raising her curved eyebrows to look at Yu Jing.
Yu Jing pursed her lips and replied, "Of course I will go."
Upon hearing Yu Jing's words, Zhang Qingcen smiled and replied, "Alright, then I will have someone make the arrangements."
"Mm," Yu Jing replied.
You can hide for a while, but you can't hide forever. What's meant to happen will happen sooner or later, so you might as well start adapting sooner.
"I've also heard that after the spring, Sister Yueqing will be going to the capital with Lord Zheng. The Empress Dowager has always liked Sister Yueqing, and she will surely be happy to hear this news." Zhang Qingcen's eyes brightened considerably as she spoke, seemingly genuinely happy for Shenghua.
Upon hearing the name, Yu Jing couldn't feel happy at all. Zheng Leqing was the mortal name of the Third Princess of the Western Sea. However, she hadn't expected that Sheng Hua and the Third Princess had this connection.
"Really?" Yu Jing smiled and replied, but because of her worry, her expression didn't show much joy.
Although Zhang Qingcen didn't know what was wrong with Yu Jing, she keenly sensed that Yu Jing wasn't very happy. After thinking for a moment, she changed the subject.
"By the way, Your Majesty, I have another question for you," Zhang Qingcen continued.
Yu Jing looked at her with some confusion, gesturing for her to speak.
“In previous years, Mother would go to Wanjiang Mountain to pray for blessings at the beginning of spring. This year, Mother is injured, but she still has to go as usual. If Mother is going, preparations should begin in the next few days.”
Going to Wanjiang Mountain to pray for blessings? Yu Jing had seen the map of the mortal realm; Wanjiang Mountain was far from the capital, and going there would surely require a major undertaking. That's why Zhang Qingcen said that if they were going, they should start preparing now. Thinking about the arduous journey, Yu Jing felt a little tired. Wait! Spring? Zhang Qingcen had just said that the Third Princess would also wait until after spring to enter the capital. If she went to Wanjiang Mountain to pray for blessings, she would take Xie Xuan with her. Then Xie Xuan and the Third Princess, Yue Qing, wouldn't see each other, and since they wouldn't see each other, there would be no chance for any romantic feelings to develop. Wanjiang Mountain was far away; going from the capital and back would take at least two months. Although it was arduous, it was still better than living in constant fear.
Thinking of this, Yu Jing felt that this method was absolutely brilliant, so she agreed: "My health has improved a lot now. I have gone every year, and I certainly cannot miss it this year. The essence of worshipping Buddha is sincerity. If I am delayed because of such a small matter, it would be a great disrespect to the gods and Buddhas."
"Yes, Your Majesty understands," Zhang Qingcen replied.
After exchanging a few more words with Zhang Qingcen, Zhang Qingcen took his leave. Yu Jing sat for a long time and talked with Zhang Qingcen for quite a while, which was very tiring. Feeling exhausted, he stood up and glanced out the window.
Perhaps because it was nearing the end of the year, it had been snowing for the past few days. Yu Jing was lost in thought as she looked at the white snow outside the window. Suddenly, she smelled the fragrance of plum blossoms. Looking towards the door, she saw Xiao Ting carrying a bunch of white plum branches, still covered in snow.
Xiao Ting naturally noticed Yu Jing looking at her. Seeing Yu Jing staring at the white plum blossom in her hand, Xiao Ting smiled and said, "The plum blossoms in the plum garden have been blooming beautifully lately. There aren't many flowers and plants in winter, so I thought it would be nice to pick some plum blossoms to put in a vase."
Seeing Xiaoting's happy expression, and seeing how beautiful the white plum blossoms in her arms were, Yu Jing felt a desire to visit the plum garden. She had been cooped up at home for the past three months, which had truly bored her.
"Ayu, let's go for a walk in the plum garden."
"Yes," Ayu replied, turning to go into the inner hall to retrieve her cloak.
Yu Jing was eager to walk out, but stopped abruptly as soon as she stepped across the threshold. Xie Xuan had just entered the palace gate, followed by several guards.
For a moment, their eyes met, separated by the distant wind and snow.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress Dowager." Xie Xuan paused slightly for a moment, then bowed and paid his respects to Yu Jing along with the guards behind him.
"Get up," Yu Jing said, composing herself.
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
"Your Majesty the Empress Dowager."
After Xie Xuan finished speaking, a voice rang out, and then A Yu came out of the hall with a thick mink cloak and draped it over Sheng Hua.
She was dressed simply today. Her silver-white robe was embroidered with silver orchid patterns, which were not very eye-catching, but they shimmered slightly. She wore a darker honey-colored belt around her waist, and a mink cloak covered her up completely.
Xie Xuan walked to the middle of the courtyard and saw A Yu take out an umbrella and open it, so he knew that Sheng Hua was probably going out. Indeed, Sheng Hua had been recuperating in Cining Palace for three months and had not left, and had refused many visitors. Now that she seemed to be in much better health, it was reasonable for her to want to go out.
As Yu Jing walked towards the gate of Cining Palace, she noticed Xie Xuan following behind her. He was now in charge of guarding Cining Palace, and he was probably following her for her safety.
The Plum Garden is to the west, quite a distance from the Cining Palace. Originally, Ayu wanted to have a sedan chair delivered, but Yu Jing wanted to walk around on her own. As she was walking along the path, she saw a group of people coming towards her. When she saw who was leading the group, Yu Jing regretted her impulsive decision to go to the Plum Garden to admire the plum blossoms.
Su Siyang, dressed in a purple official robe, walked this way with several officials dressed in red and green behind him.
Because it was coming straight at her, Yu Jing had no way to avoid it and could only slowly walk past.
Su Siyang naturally saw Sheng Hua as well. When he first saw Sheng Hua, Su Siyang was a little surprised, but then he smiled.
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