Yu Pei went out for the first time and asked for a meeting outside the Lin'an Palace.
Concubine Xin informed Wei Shuyi of the matter immediately. When the two were about to ask him to come to the main hall, he was rejected.
Jing Ning, who was busy running around to pass on the message, said: "Master Yu said that it is not convenient for him to come to the palace concubine's residence. Just say a few words outside the door."
"Okay, listen to him."
Yu Pei was still the same: wearing his ill-fitting official uniform, his hat tilted and awkwardly tied, and always carrying a wine gourd. Even though the strong odor of alcohol could be smelled from a distance, it didn't affect his clear eyes, and he looked sober.
"Two young masters, here we come."
"Big Brother! Why can't we go in and talk? There are so many people coming and going here, isn't it inconvenient?"
Yu Pei glanced at Consort Xin, then bowed to Wei Shuyi and said, "Does Consort Yi still remember my instructions last time?"
"Remember."
"Although the stars have shifted slightly, your destiny remains unchanged. From now on, my dear, you must remain vigilant and avoid being exploited by those with ulterior motives."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Xin was slightly alarmed: "Big Brother, is this serious? Can we in Lin'an Palace live in peace?"
"Everything depends on your decision, young lady." Yu Pei stood up straight and looked at her deeply. "Whether you can fight your way out depends on you. I have reminded you of everything I should have reminded you of. Farewell."
"Hey! Big Brother!"
"Sister." Wei Shuyi quickly pulled Concubine Xin back. "The palace maids are watching us! Don't get involved with Taoist Yu, or you'll cause trouble for both of you."
"I, I just want to ask clearly."
"The secret of heaven cannot be revealed. Taoist Yu should have mentioned it to you when you were learning Taoism."
Concubine Xin then hung her head. "Well, I really shouldn't have asked. Sister Yi, who's keeping an eye on Lin'an Palace this time? The two of us combined aren't as favored as the others in high positions. If they want to cause trouble for us, they might as well hold their breath and do something big!"
"Remember your senior brother's words, then do what you need to do and don't think about it."
Wei Shuyi brought Concubine Xin back to the palace and never mentioned the matter again.
She had a vague feeling that the person Taoist Yu was referring to should be related to the Yanx Palace. She wondered what kind of conspiracy Concubine Wen had set up in the palace by taking advantage of the fact that she was pregnant?
However, she guessed wrong once.
Concubine Wen did not lie in the house today, but took a long detour to Yonghe Palace.
"My lady, you are a noble lady, your status is higher than theirs. Logically, if you want to see someone, you can just send a servant to pass on the message and ask her to come to the Yanxi Palace to pay her respects. Why do you have to come here in person?"
"Mu Tao, eat more of the food that will be sent from the kitchen later."
The personal maid didn't understand: "My lady, what's wrong?"
"By holding you up, I didn't have the chance to say anything funny." Concubine Min replied calmly, getting up and out of the sedan chair. "If you can't understand my affairs, don't ask about them."
"Yes, I've made note of it."
She first went to the East Side Hall: a rich, fragrant breeze filled the air, making it difficult to breathe. The occasional zither music from the main hall also strayed from the charm of traditional ancient music, instead adding a touch of vulgarity.
Mu Tao took the lead and walked to the front: "My lady, how about I go in and explore first? You are pregnant with a dragon fetus now, so you should be wary of all kinds of spices."
"Okay."
So Mu Tao turned around and walked in, asking someone to pass the message on.
Unfortunately, no one paid attention.
The palace maids in the east side hall gathered around the stage in the backyard, busy clapping and cheering for the gracefully dancing Concubine Xu.
"My lady, this servant is useless. I can't get in at all..."
"oh?"
"I vaguely heard someone talking inside, but no one was willing to come and open the door. Perhaps..."
Noble Lady Wen gently stroked her long armor and said, "Perhaps my position is not high enough to knock on Lady Xu's palace door?"
"My lady, please don't be angry! I'm just violating a taboo. I'll knock on the door a little harder. I don't believe they can't hear me!"
"No need."
Noble Lady Wen covered her nose with her handkerchief again and said, "For the sake of the heir, it would be best if I didn't go to such a smelly place."
So, the group turned and headed towards the west side hall.
Zhen Changzai happened to be reading in the courtyard. Seeing someone coming, she rushed to greet him with the palace maids. The contrast between the two made her even more favored by Consort Wen.
"Sister, you are more polite. Please stand up."
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you, Lady Wen. May your Majesty live long and well." The other woman, still clutching the scroll, waited quietly by the side. "I wonder what brings you here?"
"Hmph!" Noble Lady Wen sat down, pointing to the room next to her and complaining softly, "I often hear the Emperor mention Concubine Xu when accompanying him, so I took advantage of today's free time to see who she is. Who would have thought that the favored one is so ostentatious that she wouldn't even open the door to welcome me in, so I can only come to my sister's place to ask for a cup of tea."
The maid beside Zhenchang understood and immediately went to prepare tea and snacks.
But she only sighed, "The Emperor loves Concubine Xu's dancing. To improve her skills, she's busy rehearsing during the day. The sound of stringed instruments is so loud in her ears that she often can't hear the sounds outside."
"Sister, you and I are both legitimate daughters of second-rank officials. Naturally, we don't have to worry about concubines who rely on their beauty to please others." Noble Lady Wen suddenly shook her hand, a look of regret on her face. "When I first met you today, I felt that you have an extraordinary demeanor, which is rare in the palace. Now, you are in the prime of your life, but you have always been overshadowed by that seductive appearance. Do you really want to do that?"
Zhen Chang looked at her in surprise and silently withdrew her left hand: "The Emperor has his reasons for promoting someone. I believe that as long as I fulfill my duties and have a clear conscience, that will be enough. As for the rest, it is destined to happen."
"If I'm not mistaken, Concubine Xu is very strong-willed. You two share the same palace, so she must have given you a lot of trouble, right?"
"She is naturally qualified by virtue of your grace. It's just that she wants to take a larger share and grab a few pieces of cloth first. I haven't used up all the things I brought from home yet, so I won't argue over such a trivial matter. As for insulting me, such a situation has never happened before. If Concubine Xu dares to do so, I am not the type to be easily insulted, so please rest assured."
Concubine Wen understood what she meant. After taking a few sips of tea, she led her people away and did not continue to pester her.
"My lady, why are you doing this? She clearly wants to win you over. Even if you are reluctant, you shouldn't just reject her and hurt her reputation."
Zhen Changzai heard the attendant's reminder but didn't care: "I entered the palace on my father's orders. From a broader perspective, it was for the Bai family, and from a smaller perspective, it was to fulfill my father's instructions. I was already upset because I couldn't find anyone, and Lady Wen's actions are nothing more than dragging me into a vortex of intrigue. I don't want to pay any attention to it!"
"My lady, your considerations are reasonable. However, seeing her expression as she left, I felt quite unhappy. Rumor has it that the eldest daughter of the Qu family is particularly concerned about family status. I'm afraid she will come again..."
"Let her be. I disdain to associate with scheming women. Even if she pesters me all day long, my feelings will not change."
In Yonghe Palace, the laughter and noise of the palace servants could be heard from the east side again, just like any other day.
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