Chapter 123: The Phoenix's arrival adds warmth, and the dark wind begins to rise and show its edge
Morning dew still clung to the petals of the crabapple blossoms, while smoke from the kitchen in Shufangzhai curled upwards. Little Swallow, dressed in a lake-blue outfit, practiced swordplay facing the old locust tree in the courtyard. The rise and fall of her sword's light gleam ignited the morning breeze, jingling the shell wind chimes under the porch. With a flick of her wrist, the tip of her sword flickered off a dew-soaked locust leaf. With a light tap of her toes, she spun like a swallow and landed on the ground, a thin layer of sweat on her forehead.
"Princess's swordsmanship is getting more and more precise!" Little Zhuozi came over, teacup in hand, his eyes sparkling. "It's even better than the Imperial Guards drill that little Dengzi secretly watched last time!"
Xiaoyanzi took the teacup and took a big sip, then wiped the sweat off her face with the back of her hand and smiled: "Of course, this is a family skill." Just as she finished speaking, Ziwei came out of the house wearing a moon-white cloak, holding a half-roll of poetry manuscript in her hand. The morning light fell on her hair, and the jade hairpin on her temples glowed softly.
"Just finished practicing sword? Be careful not to catch a cold." Ziwei walked to her side, put the cloak on her shoulders, and touched her warm arm with her fingertips. "It's windy today, don't practice for too long."
Jinsuo came out with a plate of freshly steamed lotus cake and placed it on the stone table. "Young ladies and princess, please try it. This is made in the kitchen according to the recipe taught by Madam Fang. We add osmanthus honey."
"Jinsuo still loves me the most!" Xiaoyanzi picked up a piece and put it in her mouth, pointing vaguely at the corridor, "Look, the four talented scholars and the two beauties are busy--"
I saw little Dengzi directing little Chongzi to water the orchid, but little Chongzi clumsily spilled water on his shoes; little Zhuozi was squatting under the wind chimes counting shells, and was slapped on the back of the head by little mosquito: "Wow! Can counting shells be eaten? Hurry up and help sister Mingyue move the flower stand!" Mingyue and Caixia were placing potted plants on the windowsill, talking in a low voice, and the silver hairpin swayed gently as they lowered their heads.
Ziwei looked at the lively scene and was about to speak when she saw Eunuch Su walk in from the Moon Gate with small steps, a smile on his face: "Girl, girl, the Queen Mother, Concubine Ling and all the masters are here to visit!"
Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei quickly stood up and straightened their clothes. Xiaoyanzi tightened her cloak and winked at Ziwei: "Don't be nervous, I'm here for you."
As they spoke, a group of people entered the courtyard. The Empress wore a bright yellow phoenix robe, the hem embroidered with peony blossoms. Although she wore court beads, her complexion was gentle. Concubine Ling, dressed in a light red palace dress, followed beside her with a smile. Concubine Gao wore a dark blue casual dress embroidered with gold patterns, with a red gold and kingfisher hairpin in her hair, her eyes filled with a hint of pride. The twelfth prince, Yongqi, wore a royal blue brocade robe and timidly held the Empress's sleeve, his eyes showing a hint of the Empress's gentleness.
"Your servant pays his respects to the Empress, Concubine Ling, Concubine Gao, and the Twelfth Prince!" Everyone in Shufangzhai knelt down in unison, and Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei also knelt in salute.
"Everyone, get up." The Queen raised her hand, her gaze sweeping across the courtyard, landing on the blooming orchids. A smile curved her lips. "This courtyard is so elegantly decorated; it's obvious that much thought has gone into it." She turned her gaze to Ziwei, who stood beside Xiaoyanzi, her eyes gentle, the jade bracelets gleaming softly. She couldn't help but step forward and gently pat her hand. "Isn't this Miss Ziwei? The Emperor told me the other day that the Fang family had a well-educated and well-mannered study companion. Seeing her today, she's indeed elegant and charming."
Ziwei blushed slightly and knelt down, saying, "Thank you, Her Majesty, for the compliment."
The Queen looked at Xiaoyanzi again. Seeing that although she was dressed in a tight outfit, her eyes were bright and open, she couldn't help but smile. "Princess Huanzhu looks lively. No wonder the Emperor often says you are like the sunshine in spring." Suddenly remembering something, she softened her tone. "I heard from the Emperor that you, Ziwei, and Jinsuo have become sworn sisters?"
Xiaoyanzi nodded, her voice crisp, "Your Majesty, yes! The three of us are like brothers and sisters, and we can look after each other in the palace from now on."
"Good, good." The Queen nodded with satisfaction and pulled Yongji over. "Ji'er, come and meet Princess Huanzhu and Miss Ziwei." Yongji timidly bowed and whispered, "Princess, Miss." Xiaoyanzi couldn't help but pinch his face. "Twelfth Prince, you are so good. Come to Shufangzhai often in the future. I will teach you how to climb trees and dig out bird nests!"
"Little Swallow!" Ziwei quickly tugged at her sleeve, but the Queen smiled and said, "It's okay for children to play around. If you're bored, come to Kunning Palace more often and talk to me."
Concubine Ling smiled and agreed, "The Empress loves her children the most. It's good for the princesses to visit more often." She looked at the lotus cake on the stone table and said, "This cake looks exquisite. Did you make it yourself?"
Jinsuo quickly replied, "My Lady Ling, this is made according to my hometown recipe. If you don't mind, would you like to try it?"
"Then I must share in the blessing of the princess and the young lady." Just as Concubine Ling picked up a piece, she heard Concubine Gao sneer. The voice was not loud but loud enough for everyone present to hear: "The Empress and Concubine Ling are kind-hearted. They are willing to try any country recipe. This princess who just entered the palace has not learned all the rules yet, but she dares to brandish swords and guns in the palace. She is really... lively." As she spoke, her eyes swept over the sword in Xiaoyanzi's hand that she had not put down yet.
The air suddenly grew still. Xiaoyanzi's smile faded, but she remained unmoved. Instead, she waved her scabbard and said, "Noble Consort Gao is right. My martial arts are unconventional, not comparable to those of the palace guards. But my sword protects, never harms. From now on, if anyone dares to bully my sisters in Shufangzhai, I won't tolerate it." As she spoke, she twisted her wrist slightly, and the scabbard clattered against the stone bench beside her, shaking the lantern in Xiaoyanzi's hand.
"Wow, boom! Gege is so awesome!" Little Mosquito couldn't help but shout, but Little Dengzi quickly covered his mouth.
The Queen coughed lightly to smooth things over. "Princess Huanzhu is outspoken and protective of her sisters. It's natural for a newcomer to the palace to be a bit casual. Just learn the rules." She glanced at the sky. "It's getting late. We should go back. You should all get some rest."
Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei hurriedly escorted everyone to the door. As the Queen and the others' sedan chairs drove away, Xiaoyanzi snorted, "This Concubine Gao looks like she's not to be trifled with. She speaks in such a sarcastic tone."
Ziwei held her hand and sighed, "It's inevitable to be like this in the palace. We just need to be more careful next time."
The little bug came over and whispered, "Princess, don't be angry! The servants will keep a close eye on her from now on. If she dares to cause trouble, I'll bark like a dog to scare her!" The little mosquito quickly responded, "Be good and do it! I'll meow like a cat to help you!"
Little Swallow was amused by them and patted their heads. "No need to bark like cats or dogs. We in Shufangzhai speak with our own abilities." She looked up at the crabapple tree in the morning light, her eyes sparkling. "There's still a lot of time to come. Let's just wait and see."
The wind chimes under the corridor were blown by the wind again. The "ding-ling-ling" sound carried a bit of warmth, but also concealed a hint of the coming wind and rain.
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