Chapter 232 Princess Yongfu is a great help
On the eleventh day, summer was in full swing.
After days of sweltering heat, thick clouds finally gathered, making the sky overcast. Occasionally, a cool breeze would drift through the courtyard, bringing a brief respite from the heat.
Madam Xiao wielded the "Jingyun Spear" with great vigor and showed no signs of fatigue.
Lu Zhaoruo sat by the stone table, watching with a smile, her gaze calm.
Dongrou skillfully brewed tea, but a layer of worry lingered between her brows. She said softly, "My lady, this 'illness'... can't be kept up forever, can it? But if we don't pretend, the invitations from Lady Yunxiu and the Imperial Uncle's Mansion will probably be shoved into your door again soon. They're so persistent. Once they're invited, who knows how they'll make things difficult for you."
Just as Madam Xiao was sheathing her gun, she leaned it against the weapon rack, strode over, sat down, picked up her teacup, drank it all in one gulp, wiped her sweat, and said, "Dongrou is right! Hiding like this isn't a solution; we need to come up with something!"
Lu Zhaoruo smiled slightly, calmly poured herself another cup of tea, and said in a clear voice, "Auntie, Dongrou, there's no need to worry. I haven't wasted these ten days of rest; I already have a plan in mind."
"oh?"
Madam Xiao's eyes lit up, and she immediately leaned closer. "Tell me quickly, what's the brilliant plan?"
Lu Zhaoruo then explained in detail the plan she had been devising.
Upon hearing this, Dong Rou's worries vanished, replaced by admiration: "My lady's plan is truly thorough!"
Lu Zhaoruo smiled; this plan could also help her establish a business!
Madam Xiao slapped the table in admiration, her smile wide and her eyes narrowing: "Brilliant! Tsk tsk, I love you, child. You're brave and resourceful, and your mind works faster than a gun!"
As she spoke, she abruptly stood up and said decisively, "There's no time to lose! I'm going to Princess Yongfu's residence right now. That child loves excitement, I guarantee she'll agree immediately! Wait for my news!"
Before he finished speaking, he had already rushed outside.
Princess Yongfu's Residence.
When Madam Xiao explained her idea for the "Jinghua Neon Fashion Gathering," Yongfu was overjoyed and exclaimed in delight!
She was feeling bored lately, and this important matter that she could take the lead on and that could also help Sister Lu was practically tailor-made for her!
She immediately ordered a carriage to be prepared and excitedly headed straight for the palace.
Inside the Imperial Study.
Princess Yongfu tugged at Emperor Shuheng's sleeve, her eyes sparkling, and explained in detail her idea for the "Jinghua Neon Fashion Gathering".
Finally, she tilted her head back, a hint of coquettishness in her voice, and said crisply, "Brother, autumn is just around the corner. The Empress Dowager, the Dowager Consort, and my sister-in-law in the palace, as well as several highly respected ladies of the imperial family outside the palace, all need to get new clothes! I'm thinking, why don't we take this opportunity to have Lady Lu assist in organizing a 'Capital Splendor Fashion Gathering,' specifically in charge of designing and selecting patterns for this autumn's court attire? We must ensure that it conforms to etiquette while also being innovative, so that the Empress Dowager and my sister-in-law can see our fresh new look!"
She paused, leaned closer, and winked mischievously: "Your Majesty, think about it. This matter kills three birds with one stone—it will make Mother and the empresses happy, fulfilling Your Majesty's filial piety; it will also add splendor to the palace, showcasing the grandeur of our dynasty; and it will allow someone as talented as Lady Lu to put her talents to use. Isn't that wonderful?"
Shu Heng looked down at his younger sister, who was unusually enthusiastic about serious matters, and a faint smile appeared in his eyes. He said gently, "You have thought things through very well."
He knew perfectly well that the Xiao family and Lu Zhaoruo were behind this, but this move was indeed beneficial to the dignity of the palace and could also resolve some unnecessary disputes. So he nodded gently: "Granted. If you like it, go ahead and do it. The Inner Court will cooperate with you if you need anything."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Yongfu bowed happily and flew away like a joyful swallow.
Shu Heng watched her retreating figure, gently shaking his head and chuckling.
His younger sister, being simple-minded, was used as a convenient pawn by someone.
However, this "gun" suited his needs perfectly.
The news quickly reached the Empress Dowager's palace.
The Empress Dowager was holding Buddhist prayer beads. After listening to Aunt Su's report, she slowly opened her eyes, a meaningful smile appearing on her lips: "Yongfu is such a kind-hearted child."
Her tone was calm, yet every word was insightful: "What 'Rainbow Robe Gathering'... it's nothing more than using my daughter's hand to build a ladder for that Lady Lu to ascend to heaven, so that she can avoid those entanglements."
Aunt Su said softly, "Yes, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is wise and discerning, that Lu family..."
The Empress Dowager waved her hand, interrupting her: "Enough. That child has rendered meritorious service in Jizhou. Since the Emperor has rewarded him, he is now a member of the royal family. The Xiao family's daughter-in-law is protecting him, Yongfu is helping him, and the Emperor is tacitly approving. I am happy to have some peace and quiet. As long as they don't cause any trouble, let the young people do what they want."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Su hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and lowered her voice even further: "Your Majesty is wise. However... there is a small matter concerning the Imperial Uncle's residence. I have heard that the newly arrived Lady Li seems to be feeling unwell lately."
The Empress Dowager continued to fiddle with her prayer beads: "Feeling unwell? That's because she's not blessed enough to receive any favors."
She glanced sharply at Aunt Su and said, "This woman is wicked. She dared to plot such a despicable scheme at the banquet that day, and what was the result? She only brought trouble upon herself. I have already shown extraordinary mercy by not punishing her for implicating the Imperial Uncle. It is her good fortune that she can now enter the Imperial Uncle's residence. As for how the Imperial Uncle will discipline the people in the inner quarters..."
The Empress Dowager paused slightly, then said, "That's his business, let him be."
After saying that, she closed her eyes again and continued to twirl the prayer beads.
Day 12, Lu residence.
Lu Zhaoruo publicly stated that she had "recovered from her illness".
As expected, invitations from the Yunxiu County Lord's Mansion and the Imperial Brother-in-Law's Mansion were once again delivered to the Lu residence.
Holding two invitations, Dongrou walked into the inner room with a solemn expression: "My lady, invitations from the County Lord's Mansion and the Lady of the Imperial Uncle have arrived again, and the wording is more urgent than usual."
Lu Zhaoruo took the invitation and glanced at it calmly. Before she could speak, she heard a burst of cheerful laughter and footsteps approaching from outside.
"Sister Lu! Sister Lu! Great news!"
Before the words were even finished, Princess Yongfu swept in like a cheerful gust of wind, her face beaming with barely suppressed excitement.
She glanced at the invitation in Dong Rou's hand and raised an eyebrow: "Hmph, they're well-informed, they posted it so quickly!"
She grabbed Lu Zhaoruo's hand excitedly and said, "Sister, don't pay them any mind! My royal brother has already given his approval! The 'Capital Splendor Gathering' has appointed you to design costumes for the palace and the imperial family! The imperial decree will arrive soon! Let's see who dares to bother you then!"
Lu Zhaoruo rose and was about to bow: "Your Highness is too kind, but I am unworthy of such favor..."
"Oh dear, no need for formalities!"
Yongfu quickly helped her up, winking playfully, "I'm happiest when I can work with Sister Lu."
Lu Zhaoruo nodded, then instructed Dongrou, "Dongrou, prepare pen and ink."
She walked to the desk, spread out a sheet of plain paper, pondered for a moment, and then picked up a brush and dipped it in ink.
The replies to both households were respectful in wording yet firm in stance, strikingly similar: "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the Lady/Madam and should have paid my respects immediately. However, I am of limited talent and learning, and fortunately, Princess Yongfu has entrusted me with the responsibility of preparing for the 'Jinghua Rainbow Dress Gathering.' This is a crucial task of the palace, and I dare not neglect it in the slightest. I need to stay at home these days to conceive designs and focus on my duties, and it is truly difficult to spare any time. I earnestly hope that the Lady/Madam will understand. I will visit you again to apologize when my duties are less demanding."
After the letter was sent, Lu Zhaoruo and Yongfu exchanged a smile.
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