When Miao Xi arrived at Fu Ning Palace to greet Consort Huo, Consort Chi was already out of sight. His master, however, was squatting outside the palace, coaxing General Tan with dried fish.
Huo Qinghe saw it from afar. She glanced sideways at the stone pillars outside the Funing Palace. There were many flowers and trees under the corridor of Funing Palace, and the smell of them was pleasant even from a distance.
At this moment, Jin Yang, who was outside the main hall, also noticed Huo Qinghe's arrival. He exclaimed "Oh!" and hurriedly stepped forward to bow.
"Greetings to Consort Huo. His Majesty is inside reviewing memorials. Please follow me."
Huo Qinghe then withdrew her gaze, a faint smile on her lips, and nodded with dignified bearing: "Thank you for your trouble."
Jin Yang glanced at Lu Yi behind Huo Qinghe. Lu Yi naturally couldn't follow her into the main hall, but instead waited outside the hall like Miao Xi.
Jin Yang led Huo Qinghe into the main hall. Before entering, Jin Yang quietly reminded her that the Emperor was in a bad mood, but she did not mention that Consort Chi had come earlier.
After all, even he didn't know why the emperor was displeased.
Huo Qinghe walked slowly inside, the scent of ink wafting past her nose again and again. She didn't dare to look too closely at the furnishings of Funing Palace, but as she walked, she saw mostly books in her peripheral vision, followed by some gold and jade antiques, but upon closer inspection, they were all ingeniously designed.
As they walked further in, Huo Qinghe, with her eyes downcast, immediately spotted the paperweight lying on the ground, its surface turned upside down.
The dark gold paperweight looked like something special, but it wasn't very aesthetically pleasing because it had several obvious chipped corners.
"You've arrived?" The official's voice sounded somewhat deep.
Jin Yang bowed respectfully, and then silently withdrew.
Huo Qinghe bowed her head and said, "This concubine, Huo, respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health."
Pei Yuanhui hummed in agreement and beckoned, "Come and grind the ink." Upon hearing this, Huo Qinghe first squatted down and picked up the paperweight. When she walked to the official's side, she quietly placed the paperweight on the table, then lifted it to reveal her wrist for easier ink grinding.
Naturally, one dares not look around carelessly.
Finally finding peace and quiet, Pei Yuanhui closed a memorial, leaned back in his armchair, and rested with his eyes closed for a while.
Only the sound of Huo Qinghe adding water and grinding ink remained in the inner hall.
After about a quarter of an hour, Huo Qinghe's movements as she ground the ink slowed down slightly. She stopped twice in the middle, only carefully moving the vermilion brush that was about to drip ink.
The second time she moved, the emperor seemed to be alarmed by her.
Huo Qinghe's eyes met those of the official who had just opened his eyes. She was momentarily taken aback, and when she lowered her gaze, she showed the fright of a deer.
"Your Majesty, I have disturbed you."
"Why are you being so honest? I've already stopped, why are you still grinding ink?" Because Huo Qinghe had her head down, Pei Yuanhui could only see the top of her head.
However, for Pei Yuanhui at this moment, peace and quiet was enough.
As for Huo Qinghe, the Emperor did stop, but he didn't tell her to stop. If she stopped too, what could she do on the sidelines when she was free? Perhaps when the Emperor opened his eyes and saw her, he would think she was lazy and negligent.
But at this moment, Huo Qinghe naturally couldn't voice her inner thoughts. Everyone understands the principle; the most important thing was to speak in a way that would please the emperor and make him remember her.
After all, the harem was filled with beauties, and there were also long-standing affections with old acquaintances.
It was no easy task for Huo Qinghe to leave a mark on the emperor's heart.
She turned her head slightly, her expression serene and composed: "The fragrance of ink is so pleasant. I have recently been reading some history books and I find them endless. I also have a little selfish reason for grinding ink at this moment."
As she spoke, her smile deepened, revealing a touch of girlish charm.
"I'm grinding ink for Your Majesty, and I hope Your Majesty will do me the honor of helping me resolve some of the confusion I've been having while studying lately." As she spoke, she stopped grinding ink and placed the inkstone next to the inkstone, then gave a graceful bow.
Upon hearing this, Pei Yuanhui pointed at Huo Qinghe and said, "So, you have something on your mind. You think you can exchange my favor for grinding ink? You'll have to see if I'll allow it. Do you still remember the dish you owe me last time?"
He raised his hand and personally helped Huo Qinghe to her feet, though his movements were not exactly gentle.
This is probably because officials rarely make such gestures.
As Huo Qinghe came in from outside, her palms were warm and delicate.
With her hands clasped together, Huo Qinghe smiled obediently: "Yes, I only ask Your Majesty for your grace."
Pei Yuanhui took her hand and led her outside, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing against hers. Their hands were intertwined, half-hidden under their sleeves, and they walked to the outer hall as if no one else was around.
Jin Yang, who was guarding the outer hall, had already ordered the meal to be prepared when he heard the commotion. However, he was slightly taken aback when he saw the Emperor and Consort Huo shaking hands, and his mouth opened wide as well.
In broad daylight, simply walking hand in hand is nothing unusual, even among ordinary people.
What's strange is that the person among them is an official!
He had served the Emperor since the Emperor was a child, and in Jin Yang's memory, only Consort Chi and Consort Lin had this honor.
But these two had a long-standing relationship with the official.
But the beauty before her was only a newcomer who had entered the palace less than two months ago.
The greenery beside her also saw it. Even though she was usually calm and composed, she blushed with excitement, but dared not make a sound, for fear of disturbing the official and her own wife.
Huo Qinghe was pulled to sit down beside the emperor. She wanted to stand up, but Pei Yuanhui stopped her.
"Didn't you stand enough? Sit down. Sit down and serve the dishes." As he spoke, the official released his hand.
Huo Qinghe shifted her position slightly, and finally, with some hesitation, took a bowl of almond tea from Jin Yang beside her.
When she took it, she could vaguely see the osmanthus petals floating in the bowl. She raised her hand, straightened the silver plum petal spoon with two fingers, stirred it slightly, and then handed it to the official.
Pei Yuanhui lowered his head and took two sips of almond tea: "You've certainly made things easier for me by serving the dishes."
Jin Yang, who was completely unaware of this, glanced up and saw the smile on Huo Meiren's face. He immediately understood and took two steps back to the side.
Huo Qinghe wasn't very hungry after having lunch, so serving the official the dishes was just right.
When she was in the mansion, she had to serve the stepmother quite a bit, and each meal was a real ordeal. Now, all of this was considered much easier.
However, Pei Yuanhui did not keep Huo Qinghe serving him for a long time. He soon told Huo Qinghe to stop serving him.
Serving food is the most challenging task. Even though Huo Qinghe is very clever, she has not served the emperor for long and cannot fully know his preferences.
But ultimately, no mistakes were made.
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