Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Legend of Zhen Huan - Nian Shilan 6
Among the newly arrived concubines, Consort Wan and Noble Lady Shen were the most favored, while Consort Xia also received some favor. They were generally easy to get along with, probably because of their simple-minded nature.
After the osmanthus tree was removed, the Empress made other changes to Consort Wan's residence, also using musk.
She had been in contact with the doctor for two or three months when the problem was discovered. Doctor Wen prescribed medicine for her to recuperate, but she would not be able to conceive in the short term.
New Year's Eve Feast
Silver candlesticks and cups, jade bowls and fine wine, singing and dancing in peace and prosperity, drinking and chatting happily.
Nian Shilan admired the beautiful, poetic dance moves, sipped her clear wine, and gazed in a daze.
The Emperor gazed at the plum blossoms on the table, lost in memories, and took a sip of wine. "Have the plum blossoms in the palace bloomed yet?"
"Blooming despite the frost," the Empress replied with a smile.
This year's New Year celebration was not organized by Nian Shilan, nor were the plum blossoms prepared by her; rather, they were specially placed there by the Empress.
"I want to go and see."
"It's freezing cold, Your Majesty should take care of your health."
The Empress was merely reminding the Emperor to prevent him from forgetting Empress Chun Yuan, but she also didn't want her to suffer from the cold while admiring the plum blossoms on a chilly night.
The Emperor did not reply, but glanced at Consort Wan and Nian Shilan, who was slightly drunk beside her.
The Emperor stood up and instructed Su Peisheng, "Summon your Consort Hua and have her accompany me for a walk in Yimei Garden, so she can sober up a bit."
"Yes, sir." Su Peisheng walked towards Nian Shilan.
The Empress was taken aback, forcing a smile, but her fist clenched tightly beneath her sleeve.
After hearing the message, Nian Shilan glanced at the Emperor who had been staring at her, put down her wine cup, and got up to walk out of the hall.
Donning the cloak, Nian Shilan looked at the Emperor beside her, who was dressed in a fur coat and had extended his right hand, and shook it expressionlessly.
Walking along the path in Yimei Garden, looking at the beautiful scene of plum blossoms blooming proudly despite the frost on their branches, Nian Shilan smiled.
"Without enduring the bitter cold, how can the plum blossom exude its fragrant aroma?"
"You like them? I'll have a few moved to Yikun Palace." Seeing this rare smile, the Emperor's mood improved considerably.
"I like many flowers. It's so cold, so let's not bother the palace servants. We'll move a few more to Yikun Palace when the weather gets better."
"You're always so soft-hearted. Fine, I'll wait until next year to admire the plum blossoms in Yikun Palace."
The Emperor smiled and pulled Nian Shilan to continue strolling through the Yimei Garden.
After the New Year, the newly favored concubines who had entered the palace were promoted.
Consort Wan was promoted to Noble Lady Wan, and Noble Lady Shen received the title of Hui. The two were granted the right to learn how to manage the six palaces.
Xia Changzai also received a title, becoming Min Changzai. The character Min means autumn, which is a rather quirky way of combining the four seasons.
The sweltering summer arrived quickly, and the Emperor led his concubines to the Yuanmingyuan Garden.
Because there were few concubines, all the concubines except for Consort Duan, who had been bedridden, went.
Yuanmingyuan
Nian Shilan and Consort Li got tired of staying in their own palace, so they wandered around the garden together.
They happened to run into the Fourth Prince, who was wandering around hoping to meet a concubine.
Upon seeing Nian Shilan and her companion, the Fourth Prince's eyes lit up, and he quickly stepped forward to pay his respects.
"Your subject pays respects to the Imperial Concubine, and..." The Fourth Prince paused.
“She is Consort Li.” Nian Shilan looked at the Fourth Prince, seemingly in a daze, and took the initiative to defuse the situation.
"Greetings to Consort Li." Feeling Nian Shilan's kindness, the Fourth Prince was even happier.
"Fourth Prince, please get up quickly," Consort Li said, looking at Nian Shilan.
"How did you know I was a Noble Consort? Have you seen me before?" Nian Shilan bowed slightly, her face unusually gentle.
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