A lively flower-viewing banquet had just ended when Shi Lan was gracefully led back to the palace by Madam Ruan, who had already ordered the side hall to be prepared. (Latest and fastest updates, free reading)
In the side hall of Fengzao Palace, the furnishings had changed significantly compared to years ago. The Imperial Concubine held her hand and led her around the room, asking her if she liked it.
The precious calligraphy and paintings, the exquisite and valuable decorations, the bright colors, and the furnishings that were appropriate for the season and her age all made Shi Lan feel the Imperial Concubine's thoughtfulness towards her.
Shi Lan felt a warmth in her heart. In this vast Great Yu Dynasty, only the Imperial Concubine truly cared for her deeply.
A surge of emotion welled up in Shi Lan's heart, and her eyes reddened. When the Imperial Concubine saw this, she quickly grabbed Shi Lan's hand and asked what was wrong.
Shi Lan shook her head, then suddenly turned around and hugged her waist, burying her head in her fragrant bosom.
The Imperial Concubine's body stiffened for a moment, then softened again. Her meticulously groomed fingers gently stroked Shi Lan's hair, and she murmured with a smile, "Silly child."
As evening fell, the Emperor arrived at Fengzao Palace, and Consort Pan went to greet him.
Shi Lan sat in a round-backed chair by the window, swinging her legs as she thought about what Zhang Erniang had told her.
The Zhang family has worked hard for many years to barely maintain their position as a third-rank official. The Qin family has served as officials in the court for generations, and the current patriarch holds a first-rank position. The Zhang family and the Qin family are not on the same level in terms of social circles or social status. How could Zhang Erniang, a young lady living in the inner quarters, know about the Qin family's sordid affairs?
Shi Lan recalled her previous suspicions about Zhang Erniang and felt that it was best to be cautious about this matter.
The next morning, Shi Lan went to the main hall to ask for directions and started talking about the Pan family's flower banquet. At the end, she also mentioned the Qin family's Third Sister who had come to visit.
Consort Pan seemed intrigued by Shi Lan's words, and kept asking her about Qin Ba Niang's character and attitude towards her.
Shi Lan deliberately tilted her head and thought for a moment, saying that she was a bit arrogant and didn't talk much while sitting on the side, but the ladies all liked her very much.
Consort Pan nodded without saying anything.
Shi Lan tilted her head playfully and asked, "Aunt, you seem to care so much about Qin's Eighth Sister. Could it be that you're planning to find a match for my eldest brother?"
Consort Pan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and shook her head, saying, "Your eldest brother is already engaged; your aunt was just asking casually."
Then he turned the conversation to the young ladies attending the banquet.
Shi Lan had laid the groundwork beforehand, so she wasn't about to let the topic be diverted. She casually said it was alright, and then brought it back to the point: "I noticed that my aunt was being particularly nice to Qin's eighth sister-in-law. I thought she was going to be my older brother's wife."
The imperial concubine smiled and shook her head. (Latest and fastest updates, free reading available.)
Shi Lan blinked, then feigned sudden understanding and said, "Could it be that Auntie is planning to marry my eldest sister into the Qin family, so..."
The imperial concubine quickly stopped her, saying, "You child, how dare you say such things?"
Shi Lan grinned and chuckled, "Looks like I was right."
The Imperial Concubine gave her a helpless glare and said, "Your aunt does have that intention, but it also depends on whether the Qin family is willing."
Shi Lan's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected that Zhang Erniang was right. Thinking about what she had said, Shi Lan tentatively asked, "Aunt, you are a Noble Consort, the most honored person in the palace. Which family wouldn't want to be related to our family?"
The Imperial Concubine shook her head and said, "The situation in the palace changes in an instant. Who can guarantee that the flowers will bloom forever? The Qin family has officials for generations, and there are veterans who have served three dynasties in the family. How could they only look at the present?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Lan frowned and said, "So the Qin family is so complicated. Big sister blushes when she talks to others. If she marries into the Qin family, won't she be bullied to death?"
The Imperial Concubine was slightly taken aback, seemingly not having considered this point. But upon further reflection, she realized that Pan Jinxuan was indeed a reserved and shy person, and only the Director knew of her intelligence and wisdom.
The Imperial Concubine had previously thought that the thirteenth son of the Qin family was exceptionally talented in literature, and that the eldest aunt also loved calligraphy and poetry. She believed that two people with common interests would surely be able to live in harmony. However, she forgot about the complicated relationships within the Qin family. The Qin family now had four generations living together, with dozens of members including both legitimate and illegitimate children. Pan Jinxuan was simple-minded and probably couldn't handle such complicated relationships between sisters-in-law.
Seeing that the Imperial Concubine was lost in thought, Shi Lan raised a slight smile and beckoned Cai Xia to take her back to the side hall.
The next day, Shi Lan had just gotten up when she heard that Han Shi had arrived. Shi Lan quickly found Ruan Mama and asked her to listen to what the Imperial Concubine had said.
Having spent many years in the palace, Madam Ruan deeply understood the principle of listening to what should be heard and covering one's ears to what shouldn't be heard. Regarding Shi Lan's request, she simply said meaningfully, "My lady, Her Majesty loves you dearly. If you want to know something, just ask. If Her Majesty feels it's something she can tell you, she certainly won't hide it from you."
Shi Lan blinked, knowing that Ruan Mama's approach wouldn't work, but she was really curious. To avoid being unable to resist eavesdropping, Shi Lan had no choice but to drag the palace maid to the back garden to distract herself.
The garden is a riot of flowers. Among the cleverly designed pavilions and slender rocks, flowers as big as bowls and as small as grains of rice bloom in profusion, their fragrances, some strong and some delicate, mingling and permeating the air, making one feel as if they are in a fairyland.
Shi Lan kicked her shoes in frustration, her fingers brushing against the flower bushes she passed, and a faint fragrance wafted over with the ripples.
The palace maid who was attending to her knew that Shi Lan was the darling of the Consort and wanted to curry favor with her, so she said, "Why don't I go and ask around for you?"
Shi Lan glanced at her twice and said sullenly, "No need."
Madam Ruan is right. This is the palace, and she is a guest invited by her aunt. It would be better for her to behave in a dignified and proper manner.
When the palace maid realized that her flattery had backfired, she immediately changed her tune, saying, "Madam has been walking for so long, let me help you to the side to rest for a while."
Shi Lan had walked under the sun for so long, and although she wasn't tired, she was a little thirsty. After listening to the little palace maid's words, she helped her to an octagonal pavilion supported by thin stones, and then stepped down from the pavilion to find the palace maid in charge of the garden to fetch some hot tea and snacks from Fengzao Palace.
The surroundings quieted down. Shi Lan closed her eyes, leaning against a pillar. A few fragrant breezes playfully blew the hair at her temples, making her forehead itch.
Shi Lan lightly touched her forehead, tilted her head contentedly, and enjoyed the peaceful moment.
Several splashes, startling fish and frogs, accompanied by the splashing of water, came from afar. Shi Lan frowned, annoyed, and turned her head, trying to ignore the sudden noise.
Unexpectedly, the voice seemed to have found an audience, and instead grew faster and more urgent.
The repeated thuds sounded like a mischievous child striking a drum, making one's heart sink.
Her rare moment of enjoyment was ruined, and Shi Lan felt a surge of anger. She opened her bright black eyes, stood up abruptly, and stormed down the stone steps, heading towards the lotus pond a few steps away.
The ripples on the lotus pond spread out slowly, and following those ripples, Shi Lan easily caught the culprit behind the slender rocks: a boy dressed in dark blue brocade, looking somewhat disheveled.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
