Chapter 102 The Legend of Zhen Huan: An Lingrong 12
"Managing the six palaces is no easy task. Don't forget I'm just a Noble Lady; there are Consorts and Concubines above me."
Although the Emperor only allowed Consort Wan to study, this was considered to have touched the edge of palace power. The other concubines knew that the Emperor had bypassed them and given them the title of Consort.
They'll definitely be dissatisfied, and might even target Consort Wan. You should be thankful that my image as a weak and timid person in the Emperor's eyes has allowed me to escape this hot potato.”
As she spoke, An Lingrong patted her chest with great relief, feigning fear.
"Oh, I see."
Hearing this, Si Yun wasn't angry anymore. She thought about how her mistress was being targeted by the other concubines and was crying pitifully under the covers.
Suddenly, it dawned on her that this "good thing" should be borne by the noblewoman of Dongguan herself.
Although it's not a good way to think, it's better to die for a friend than for myself. Rest in peace!
The task of teaching Consort Wan how to manage the six palaces was pushed onto Consort Hua by the Empress under the pretext of a headache.
Consort Hua used the teaching matter to torment Consort Wan on several occasions, but Consort Wan was intelligent and favored. When the Emperor asked how her studies were going, she looked like she wanted to say something but couldn't and was wronged.
The Emperor asked the servants around him, and Huanbi bluntly complained. Consort Wan pretended to reprimand her, and then spoke up for Consort Hua in front of the Emperor.
After a series of singing, recitation, acting, and martial arts performances, Consort Wan was instructed by the Empress on matters concerning the six palaces, and no longer needed to go to Yikun Palace to find Consort Hua.
The summer sun blazed down on the earth like fire, making it hard to breathe. The concubines have been staying in the palace lately, not even venturing out to visit the imperial garden, let alone go out to pay their respects.
Inside Shengyu Hall, Siyun and Yuan'er, a second-class palace maid, were fanning An Lingrong.
In the center of the room sat an ice chest filled with ice, emanating a faint chill that dispelled the heat.
Siyun said while fanning herself, "My lady, Qingwu has asked the kitchen to make some refreshing plum juice. It will be sent to you once it's chilled."
A small kitchen is usually only allowed for the empress of a palace. In Yongshou Palace, only An Lingrong was allowed to set one up, and An Lingrong was also favored.
The Emperor then ordered the Imperial Household Department to set up a small kitchen for An Lingrong.
An Lingrong looked at Yuan'er and raised her hand to signal her to stop what she was doing. "Yuan'er, go to the small kitchen and tell them that I want it at room temperature, not chilled."
"Yes." Yuan'er curtsied and went to the small kitchen to find Qingwu.
Si Yun asked in confusion, "It's so hot outside, why does Your Highness want room temperature plum juice?"
"I've been eating too much cold food these past few days, and my period has been delayed for a few days now."
An Lingrong lowered her gaze to her abdomen. She had been a Noble Lady for half a year, and it was time for her to be promoted.
Si Yun didn't think much of it. An Lingrong's period was always unpredictable, and delays and advances were common occurrences.
Qingwu carried the plum juice into the hall and placed it on the table in front of An Lingrong.
An Lingrong sipped her plum juice slowly. "Have you packed all your luggage for the trip to the Old Summer Palace?"
Qingwu replied, "Everything is packed, we're just waiting to set off tomorrow."
An Lingrong nodded. "That's good."
The following day, the emperor, accompanied by his concubines, nobles, and officials, left the Forbidden City in a grand procession and moved into the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
An Lingrong moved into the Bamboo Courtyard. As its name suggests, the courtyard was surrounded by bamboo.
The emerald green bamboo poles soar into the clouds, and sunlight filters through the dense bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
A gentle breeze rustles through the bamboo grove, creating a symphony of nature.
Supported by Siyun, An Lingrong sat down on the couch in the hall to rest. After pouring a cup of water and letting it cool to a warm temperature, An Lingrong drank it all in one gulp.
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