"Considering that you were my dowry maid, I will punish you by banishing you from the palace for three months. You shall serve outside the palace!"
With her head bowed and crawling on the ground, Sang'er's eyes flashed with a fierce glint.
Yikun Palace
Xu Lejin leaned back on the soft couch, listening to Consort Li playing the flute, Consort Yue playing the moon lute, Consort Bai playing the pipa, Consort Xi singing Kunqu opera, and Consort Hong dancing.
The other two maids played the xun (a type of ancient Chinese wind instrument) and carefully served Xu Lejin from her side.
Leisurely and pleasant, not only are the ears soothed, but the eyes are also delighted.
Xu Lejin spoke slowly, "With beautiful women adding fragrance to the room and performing for me, it's truly delightful. I don't even want you to go back to Yanxi Palace; I want to keep you in Yikun Palace to serve me."
Li agreed and the others paused, exchanging bewildered glances.
The eldest concubine, Yue, stepped forward and spoke with a smile. "It is our honor to serve Your Highness. I have nothing to do every day, so I play the zither and sing, which may disturb Your Highness's peace and quiet."
"If Your Highness the Imperial Concubine is pleased, you may summon us frequently. As for those who remain with Your Highness..."
Consort Yue covered her mouth and smiled gently, saying meaningfully, "We servants would actually prefer to stay in Consort Hui's palace. Consort Hui is getting old and doesn't sleep much."
With a 'pfft' sound.
Xu Lejin couldn't help but laugh out loud, thinking to herself that Consort Li and the others were really wicked, actually coming up with such a way to torment people. No wonder Consort Hui looked so haggard after her serious illness.
Many wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes, and there were dark circles under his eyes, indicating lack of sleep.
Consort Hui, you've really shot yourself in the foot!
Picking up the cup of fine West Lake Longjing tea beside her, Xu Lejin spoke softly, "Amidst the sparse shadows of apricot blossoms, the flute played until dawn. Consort Hui must have enjoyed it greatly; Yanxi Palace was filled with nightly revelry and dance."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
