While reading, Huo Qinghe glanced at the maids and said, "We're not so easily disturbed. Granny is right, let's prepare in a while. Who will serve us tonight?"
She was also a little sleepy at the moment, and tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.
The maids exchanged glances, and finally Green Locust spoke up: "Tonight... tonight His Majesty is staying at Xianfu Palace."
They all thought that their mistress would forget about it because she was busy reading, but they didn't expect that she would ask about it in the end.
As soon as the words were spoken, Green Locust inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief.
Although their mistress and Lady Yi of Xianfu Palace were sisters, everyone knew that they were not related by blood. Moreover, over the past month or so, the maids had also come to understand that Lady Yi of Xianfu Palace was outwardly friendly but inwardly hostile.
One can glean some insight from the way Cuiqiao, who serves Lady Yi, always appears.
Huo Qinghe hummed in agreement, then pondered for two seconds: "When you have time, quietly go to the Imperial Household Department and ask if Xianfu Palace has called for water tonight?"
Green Locust was still young, and only responded after saying "Ah."
Just then, Granny Wang came out after making the bed and heard Huo Qinghe's words. She said, "Let me handle this. I'm quite familiar with the Imperial Household Department."
Huo Qinghe made a mark and closed the book: "It's precisely because you're familiar with the place that everyone knows you. Let Luyi and Luyun go."
Green Locust and Granny Wang were both servants who often served Huo Qinghe.
"My period just ended, so I'll take this opportunity to go to the Imperial Household Department to ask if the green plaque has been put up yet. It's late, let's get settled." Huo Qinghe took the warm handkerchief and wiped her hands.
Huo Qinghe had little reaction to the fact that the Emperor had gone to Xianfu Palace that night.
Because she read history books before bed, Huo Qinghe slept more soundly than usual.
When I woke up the next day, it was even later, almost mid-morning.
Green Locust and Green Willow helped her get up. After breakfast, Huo Qinghe took advantage of her wakefulness to read a book in the corridor for a while. It wasn't too hot yet, and there was an occasional cool breeze in the corridor, making it a comfortable and pleasant place.
Huo Qinghe doesn't know many people in the palace now, so she naturally has no intention of going out, and thus has a lot of free time.
The girls each have their own things to do.
After having breakfast, Lvhuai went to the Imperial Tea and Kitchen to get some snacks and returned: "When I came back, Madam Zhou from the main hall had gone out again. I guess she went to Cining Palace again."
Huo Qinghe hummed in agreement and turned the page.
Ever since Empress Dowager Zhou returned to the palace after worshipping Buddha, Consort Zhou's visits to Cining Palace have become quite frequent.
Each visit took until half a morning, which meant that Consort Zhou had little time to make things difficult for her, which was naturally a good thing for Huo Qinghe.
Huo Qinghe's neck started to hurt after reading for a short while, so she put the book down, stood up, and walked around the corridor twice. Just then, Green Cloud, who had disappeared for a while, returned.
The girl returned quite quietly: "My lady, I went to the Imperial Household Department to inquire, and it turns out that Lady Yi in Xianfu Palace didn't call for water last night."
The girl's eyes were sparkling when she spoke, as if she knew some incredible news.
Historically, it was customary for concubines to call for water during their nights with the emperor, and this record was kept so that if a concubine became pregnant in the future, there would be proof. Green Cloud didn't even need to inquire about this; while looking at the green-headed plaques, she happened to see the records of the Imperial Household Department.
The maids were indeed busy gathering information and handling affairs, which made things easier for Huo Qinghe, the mistress.
"It's kind of you to get things done so quickly, go and rest." Huo Qinghe smiled gently at her, her almond-shaped eyes full of tenderness.
Seeing the green cloud made him realize that everything he had done that day was worthwhile.
Green locust stood silently fanning herself, and the greenery came in from behind.
"My lady, I've made some pear soup. Please drink some to soothe your lungs."
Huo Qinghe's current status does not include a small kitchen, but she still has all the basic utensils for making soup and tea.
The maids were serving Huo Qinghe so well that Huo Qinghe found it somewhat amusing. She had only intended for the maids to serve her respectfully, but now it seemed that the maids were being excessively respectful and enthusiastic.
She praised Luyi's thoughtfulness again and told Luhuai and the others to go down and have some too.
The pear soup cooked by Lvyi wasn't too sweet, which suited Huo Qinghe's taste perfectly. Before noon, she had already drunk more than two bowls. When Baosheng brought back the lunch and her maids were setting out the meal, Huo Qinghe drank another half bowl of pear soup.
Indeed, her throat felt much better after drinking the pear soup.
When Green Locust and the others were setting out the meal, they were somewhat surprised: "The Imperial Kitchen is acting strangely today. They only served the food that is part of the Lady's rations. Did Xianfu Palace forget to remind them today?"
Huo Qinghe looked in that direction.
Indeed, the meals were all of Huo Qinghe's rank as a beauty.
Lately, I haven't seen bird's nest or donkey-hide gelatin, which are usually on the dinner table.
Huo Qinghe scolded her, "I don't know who eats with their mouth dripping with oil every day. You're happier than me without you. Alright, today's duty officer is enough to serve the food."
Huo Yiyun moved quite quickly.
Otherwise, if she continues to take supplements like this, she will become overdosed with them, and she already feels unbearably hot in May.
After lunch, Huo Qing rested for a while, but Consort Zhou had not yet returned to the main hall.
Consort Zhou had not yet returned to the main hall, but Huo Qinghe's Yanliang Pavilion welcomed an unexpected guest.
"My lady. Consort Fu from Chengqian Palace has come to visit." Green Locust came in from outside, and her expression showed her confusion.
Huo Qinghe was lying down reading, her posture not very proper. Hearing Lü Huai's voice, she almost dropped the book and hit her face: "Who is it? Is Consort Fu feeling better? Please come in quickly. Bring some pear soup and snacks."
As she spoke, she sat up, placed the book on the inside of the small couch, and smoothed the hem of her skirt with her other hand as she stood up.
Consort Fu was wearing a light green palace dress today. As May arrived, she changed into summer clothes and looked even thinner.
Huo Qinghe was also thin, but she was slender and graceful, with a delicate figure and a healthy complexion, with rosy cheeks.
But Consort Fu walked in with her back to the light. Not only was she thin, but her cheekbones were prominent when she spoke, and there was hardly any flesh on her cheeks. She was frighteningly thin.
Huo Qinghe stepped forward to greet her and curtsied, saying, "Why has Consort Fu come? I have only just recovered from my illness, so you should rest and recuperate even more. You must have suffered even more from the wind you caught on your journey."
Her voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, and every word she spoke conveyed her sincere concern.
As soon as Fu entered, she coughed several times. Fu nodded slightly and said, "No need for such formalities, Lady Huo. Thank you for your concern. I came here as soon as I felt better. I also want to thank you for saving me that day."
Fu's voice sounded somewhat different, probably because he had fallen into the water; it sounded a little hoarse, but also softer.
As Fu spoke, he personally helped Huo Qinghe up.
The two maids behind her were carrying many things, which were naturally gifts of gratitude.
Walking from Chengqian Palace, you can see many people along the way.
Huo Qinghe withdrew her hand and gestured forward, saying, "Please take a seat, Noble Lady Fu. It was nothing, Noble Lady Fu, you are too kind."
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