Entering the palace
The maids lined up in a row were holding various brocade boxes in their hands, which contained not only gold necklaces, pearl and jade necklaces, jade bracelets, earrings, crystal jade pendants, red gold and kingfisher butterfly hairpins and other dazzling jewellery, but also rhinoceros wood combs, diamond-shaped mirror stands, hairpins and other dressing supplies. Further back, the silk was as smooth as water, and the colors were bright and not vulgar. One only needed to take a look to know that it was not an ordinary item.
"Miss, these are gifts from the Imperial Concubine and His Majesty personally. You must dress up nicely for the winter banquet the day after tomorrow." Even though Yunyan grew up in a marquisate, she rarely saw so many treasures at once. Her sparkling eyes finally lifted from the brocade boxes and gazed at the girl, who leaned against a soft pillow, casually flipping through a book.
"Take it down and put it away." Aruo turned the page unmoved, not even glancing at the luxurious gifts.
Surprise flashed across Yunyan's eyes. She could tell the girl before her wasn't at all happy, and there was even a hint of dismay between her brows. What kind of background could make her so unconcerned with the wealth before her?
He looked at the indifferent girl inconspicuously. The delicate look between her eyebrows made her look familiar, but her black eyes were so calm that they did not reveal any emotion. Yunyan was not sure what she was thinking.
After agreeing to the task, Yunyan led his men out of the door. He immediately saw Luo Ziran who had returned from court and quickly knelt down to greet him.
"How are you today, young lady?" Luo Ziran glanced at the jewelry held by the maid behind her.
"She can move around a bit now. It's just that she doesn't like to leave her room. The Imperial Concubine gave her a reward today, but she didn't care," Yunyan replied dutifully. She was sent here by Luo Ziran specifically to serve because she was the only one who could fend off the old lady.
Waving his hand to let them all leave, Luo Ziran walked into the room and saw the man who was reading lazily at a glance.
"Brother Achu is back?" When Aruo saw him, he didn't stand up to greet him, but just put down the book in his hand.
"Nan'er," Luo Ziran sat beside her, his eyes gentle, "I've been busy with official duties lately and haven't had time to accompany you. You must be bored."
Aruo raised his eyes nonchalantly, "I'm used to it... I used to stay alone a lot, if it weren't for Aruo's love of making noises..."
Luo Ziran felt a pang in his heart. His Nan'er had been sickly since childhood, and the slightest movement would cause her to gasp for breath, her own courtyard being the only place she could move around. He carefully examined the girl before him. Her face was still a little pale, but she was indeed healthy, having been able to travel independently for four years without relying on the Qi and Qin families.
Now, this piece of health belongs to his Nan'er. Thinking of this, Luo Ziran also felt a little happy about the unfamiliarity of that face.
"When you feel better, you can travel around. Although Liangzhou is in the northwest, the scenery is completely different from Qishan and the capital. You will like it."
Aruo's fingertips moved slightly, and she changed the subject as if she didn't want to talk about it anymore. "The imperial concubine summoned me to the palace to attend the winter banquet."
Knowing that she hadn't let it go for a while, Luo Ziran didn't dwell on it. "My sister asked you to come to the palace because she was curious about your recovery in the Marquis' Mansion... I didn't tell her about you, and she still mistook you for Aruo."
His dark eyes darkened, Aruo lowered his head, his fingertips carelessly stroking the book, and said in a cold tone, "I shouldn't have said that."
Even if such a strange thing were told, no one would believe it, and it might even arouse suspicion of witchcraft. This was also the reason why Luo Ziran did not retaliate excessively even though he gritted his teeth and accepted Su Zirui's plan.
"The Winter Banquet is a gathering of women, so I can't go with you. But I've sent word to my sister to take good care of you. Don't worry." Luo Ziran was worried she wouldn't be able to adapt, so he had sent word to the palace long ago. He also understood that it was his mother who first suggested this banquet, and it was because Aruo refused to see her.
"What's there to worry about? We're all acquaintances." Aruo took the name card she had discarded. It detailed the names of those who would be attending the next day, a list Yunyan had drawn up after making inquiries. Her fingertips lightly traced one of the names, and she tilted her head to glance at Luo Ziran with a half-smile. "She's still unmarried, Lord."
The cold and murderous look in his eyes was exactly the same as before, and Luo Ziran's heart was shaken. "Who is she? Nan'er, you are the only one in my heart."
With an eyebrow raised, Aruo dodged his hand sideways, his eyes cold and indifferent, "Really?"
"Don't worry, these annoying things will soon stop bothering you. I'm ready to petition His Majesty, hoping to return to Liangzhou." Luo Ziran's hand fell on her hair, and he whispered softly, "When you return to the Liangzhou Marquisate, you'll feel much more at ease. The plum tree you planted with your own hands that year is now standing tall and majestic."
After Shen Nan married into the Luo family, she had been living in the Liangzhou Marquis Mansion and rarely returned to Beijing except during the New Year holidays.
A Ruo slightly closed his eyes, casually pulled the quilt, turned over and went to sleep, "I planted peach trees."
Luo Ziran's eyes flickered with a smile. Regardless of her indifference, he sat down beside her and picked up the book she had just read and began to read.
His narrow eyes scanned the room imperceptibly. All the mirrors had been put away, even the glass windows that could reflect people's reflections had been covered with thin cloth. A hint of subtle suspicion flashed across his eyes, and Luo Ziran withdrew his gaze, his voice still unchanged as he read.
The winter banquet in the harem is usually hosted by the empress, but there is no empress in Emperor Huiqing's harem. This year, the empress dowager was ill, so Concubine Luo was asked to host it.
The winter banquet of Da Qi was themed on plum blossoms, and just behind the Imperial Concubine's Fanghua Palace was a plum forest, which perfectly suited the theme.
A heavy snow had just passed, and the branches of the plum trees were dotted with white snow. The frost-resistant red plum blossoms swayed in the wind, emitting a cool fragrance that extended to the main banquet hall. Inside the bright and refreshing hall, golden nanmu tables and chairs were placed, covered with exquisitely embroidered brocade tablecloths. Not far from the seats, a silver charcoal basin was lit.
The music in the hall continued, and the courtesans danced gracefully with fluttering robes. Exquisite dishes were served one after another, and the sweet aroma of fruit wine made Aruo frown slightly.
"Miss Qi, are the dishes not to your liking?" The girl sitting next to her had a charming appearance, with a pair of upturned phoenix eyes that revealed a bit of freshness and beauty. She was wearing a snow-blue dress with peony embroidery on the cuffs and lapels. The hem of her skirt swayed like auspicious clouds, looking luxurious and solemn.
Aruo smiled politely and shook his head, "I can't smell the alcohol very well, I'm just a little dizzy."
"In that case, why not get rid of the wine?" The round-faced girl on the other side had a delicate and innocent appearance and a sweet smile. Her light green dress made her look pretty and lively. "I don't like the taste either."
"This is the fruit wine brewed by the Imperial Concubine herself," a shrill voice came over. "Of course, not everyone can afford it. Some cheap things won't fetch a good price even if they're placed on a shelf with high-end items."
The round-faced girl turned pale, her round eyes rolled around in panic, and she wanted to say something but was pulled back, her face flushed with anxiety.
Aruo turned his head and looked at the man, "What is it?"
The girl had a fairy-like bun, bright makeup, and a striking look. She wore a silver-red, chest-length skirt, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbone, exuding a fierce aura. She raised an eyebrow and glanced at Aruo, smiling sarcastically, "I said this is the fruit wine brewed by the Imperial Concubine herself..."
"I'm asking you." Aruo said lightly.
The man was stunned, but the girl with phoenix eyes had already reacted and burst out laughing.
The man's face suddenly turned red with anger, and he glared at them fiercely. Coincidentally, Imperial Concubine Luo walked in with Old Madam Luo. She quickly adjusted her skirt and swallowed her anger. Everyone stood up and saluted the Imperial Concubine. The girl glared at Aruo, then put on a smile instead of being unhappy.
Aruo curled his lips in boredom and played with the longan in his hand out of boredom.
"Don't worry. She's the sixth daughter of the Jing'an Mansion. She's been infatuated with Marquis Luo for years, but she's been unfaithful. She's always been provoking the previous wife of the Dingbei Marquis, Shen. You're her sister, so she definitely doesn't like you." The round-faced girl leaned over and whispered. "My last name is An, and my father is the Minister of Personnel."
Aruo really didn't care, but he also accepted her kindness. He smiled slightly, and his cold eyebrows curved, as if ice and snow were quietly melting.
The round-faced girl was distracted and forgot to introduce herself.
After taking her seat, Concubine Luo glanced around the room, landing on the quiet figure. She wore a pale pink dress, its pleated hem embroidered with fluttering butterflies. Even sitting there, spread out, she looked charming and graceful, and even more vibrant and exquisite when she moved. She was draped in a layer of white gauze, which Concubine Luo recognized as the specially crafted "Bilong Gauze" woven in Jiangnan. It was light and windproof, adding to her graceful and airy appearance. Her hair was sparsely accessorized, save for a red gold and kingfisher-embellished phoenix-tail hairpin and a golden hairpin embroidered with butterfly wings. Her long, dark hair was casually tied behind her, a delicate and alluring sight.
"Is that Ruo'er? I often hear my mother talk about you. Come here and let me take a good look at you." Concubine Luo said with a smile. Before she finished speaking, the girl raised her eyes and Concubine Luo was startled, and her beautiful eyes opened slightly.
So similar… This girl’s appearance is obviously not as stunning as Shen Nan’s, but the charm of her eyebrows and eyes is exactly the same as that woman!
Aruo stepped out gracefully, her skirt swirling like butterflies. She folded her hands respectfully in front of her and bowed deeply, "Hail, Your Majesty."
Her movements were standard and graceful, even the hairpins in her hair swayed only slightly. Concubine Luo stared at her blankly, her heart chilled, and for a moment she forgot to call out.
"Your Majesty?" Madam Luo glanced at Aruo, smiled, and said softly, "Your Majesty, it's been so long since you've seen Ruo'er. Don't you recognize her?"
"Isn't it?" Concubine Luo came back to her senses instantly, smiled and asked her to stand up, took her hand and asked her to sit next to her. "They say girls change a lot when they grow up. I can't recognize them anymore."
A hint of sarcasm flashed across her eyes, and Aruo lowered her head shyly. Aruo and Concubine Luo had indeed never met before, so how could she recognize her?
"Look, the imperial concubine has a new love and has forgotten us." The sixth young lady of the Jing'an Mansion said with a sweet smile, looking at Aruo with a pair of flying phoenix eyes.
"Look at what you said. I treat you all equally." As for the third princess's family in the Jing'an Mansion, Concubine Luo would not give this girl any face, and teased with a smile. How could she not know what this person was thinking? It's just that his brother is obsessed with the deceased Shen Nan, and now there is Shen Nan's sister. Concubine Luo has a feeling of disappointment, and even looks at the sixth girl with a look of suspicion.
What a blind man, wearing red in her palace!
The Sixth Miss, unaware that she was being looked down upon for no reason, smiled brightly, "That's Madam Renhe. After all, we were brought up in a strict family and are not as eloquent as Miss Qi."
The round-faced girl's expression changed slightly. She wanted to say something but was held down by the people around her.
The Sixth Miss raised her eyebrows, hinting, "Just now, Miss Qi asked what my daughter was."
Concubine Luo's expression changed slightly, and she glanced at the girl beside her with her phoenix eyes. But she saw Aruo smiled obediently, turned around and said to the sixth girl seriously, "Sister is really not a good person."
"You!" The Sixth Miss's face flushed crimson, and she slammed the table. The palace fell silent, with only the courtesans dancing unmoved. Concubine Luo's expression froze, and she pursed her red lips.
"Sister is a human being, how can she be a thing?" Her black eyes were clear and innocent, and Aruo smiled sincerely and kindly.
"I... of course I am a human..." The Sixth Girl was very angry but didn't know how to refute. The people around her could see that this was a good show. Many of them covered their mouths and laughed, which made the atmosphere more lively.
"Your Majesty, don't you think so?" Aruo looked at Concubine Luo with a smile.
Concubine Luo looked at the eyebrows and eyes, her mind flickered slightly, and she quickly smiled and said, "Mother always said that Ruo'er was naughty, now I can see that."
"I dare not." The smile faded, and Aruo's eyebrows and eyes were cold.
Seeing that indifferent look, Concubine Luo was surprised again. She clearly remembered that Shen Nan's sister was not her blood relative, so why did this person give her the illusion that Shen Nan was in front of her?
Thinking of what her brother said when he entered the palace two days ago, Concubine Luo's eyes became fierce. Could it be that he...
"This courtesan dances beautifully, Your Majesty, please reward her." Old Lady Luo coughed twice and said to Concubine Luo with a smile. She turned her eyes to Aruo, with a hint of doubt in her eyes, but she didn't continue looking in that direction.
Concubine Luo paid no attention to these courtesans, but the situation was a little awkward, so she just laughed and watched. A few people who were tactful responded, and the scene finally became lively.
"Speaking of dance, I'm reminded of Madam Xianluo's palm dance. It's the most beautiful dance I've ever seen in the capital." The young lady in green beside the Sixth Miss sighed, then looked at the Sixth Miss with regret, "I still remember that it was the Sixth Sister who played the zither that year. Her music was also unique in the capital."
When this incident was brought up, the Sixth Miss's face darkened even further. She had prepared for so long that time, only to end up marrying someone else, the woman who had snatched the husband she had chosen. And today, that woman had a younger sister...
Glancing at the people around her, she knew that these words were meant to provoke, but thinking of the rumors of the past few days, the Sixth Girl gritted her teeth, looked up and smiled.
"Mrs. Xian Luo's palm dance was famous throughout the capital, but it's a pity that no one has been able to perform it to her level since then. I've danced with many girls over the years, but I can't quite recapture the feeling I once had. Miss Qi is her younger sister, I wonder if she has her older sister's style?"
Several of the girls present had played with them before, and their faces immediately turned cold, their eyes gleaming with displeasure. Her words clearly meant they were worse than a dead body. After their anger subsided, they couldn't help but look at the girl the imperial concubine was gossiping with, wondering if she was just like Shen Shi back then.
Concubine Luo's eyes flashed. She didn't have a good impression of Aruo, but if this was really the person her brother had finally found favor with, it was not the turn of this unmarriageable woman to have any say.
"No." Aruo seemed not to notice those hidden gazes and shook her head openly, "Besides, I just recovered from my illness, so I'm afraid I can't dance in front of others."
The Sixth Miss was choked by this, her face flushing even redder. It was just that everyone else had flatly refused, or perhaps it was a health issue. Those present had heard about her recuperation at the Marquis's residence. If she forced it, it would be her fault, since others were so frank.
Seeing her frustrated look, Aruo smiled faintly, and stood up as if he had had enough of a boring game. He bowed to Concubine Luo and said, "Although I cannot dance for you, Your Highness, but I am grateful to you and the old lady for your care. I would like to express my gratitude with a piece of music."
"Oh," Mrs. Luo finally saw a familiar look on her face and chuckled, "A lazy girl like you can actually play the piano."
"The sound of the piano is vulgar, I hope the old lady won't be too harsh on me." Aruo paused and smiled at her.
Upon seeing this, Concubine Luo agreed and waved her hand for people to prepare.
Aruo ignored the scrutinizing and malicious glances, quietly sitting at the table and gently stroking the strings. His bare hands flicked, his fingers dancing across the strings like flowing water. A melodious sound slowly rose, the timbre like a scroll slowly unfolding.
"Wild Geese Landing on the Plain Sand?" The person who was familiar with the music of the zither immediately looked at the Sixth Miss, as this was her specialty.
The autumn air is crisp, the wind is calm, the sand is flat, the clouds are thousands of miles away, and the sky is full of flying birds. As the music progresses, everyone seems to see the geese returning home.
"The sound of the zither is as delicate as flowing water, melodious and long-lasting, and it seems to linger in the ears for three days."
The Sixth Girl's face changed when she played the first note. Hearing the exclamations around her, she couldn't hide the resentment in her eyes.
Five years ago, Shen Nan's dance made her piano music a foil. Five years later, Shen Nan's sister's piano music made her a joke.
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