Over the course of several days, the two traced their ancestry back eighteen generations and discovered that they were related, so they recognized each other.
This interjection made the atmosphere even more harmonious, and the Empress Dowager laughed heartily, "You little monkey, you're still angry, hahaha."
Zhao Shu and Sun Yun exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly. Zhao Shu said to the Empress Dowager in a huff, "Ah Jun really doesn't believe in evil. As a grandmaster, I must prove myself this time." She said the word "grandmaster" again without batting an eye, and even put on a "If I don't go to hell, who will?" look. Her delicate little face was puffed up with anger, which was indescribably cute.
Zhang Chu dealt the cards, chuckling repeatedly. The princess was able to amuse the Empress Dowager in such a way, which was worthy of the Empress Dowager's affection.
Outside the palace gate, Hao Shumei, supporting her weak body, slowly walked to the outside of the palace with the help of Hua Mei, and said, "I have come to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager. Go and inform her immediately."
Ji Yun and the others wiped the smiles off their faces and gave a perfunctory curtsy, saying, "Please wait a moment, Your Highness."
After saying this, Jiyun walked in, stepped over the screen, and whispered in the Empress Dowager's ear, "Empress Dowager, the Imperial Concubine has arrived and is waiting outside."
"Have you all ignored my words? Consort Hao is confined to Jiahan Palace and is not allowed to leave without my decree." The thought of her eldest son bestowing the Linlang Order upon Hao Shumei filled her with anger.
Ji Yun excused himself and left, arrogantly saying to Hao Shumei, "Your Highness, receive my decree."
Hao Shumei looked as if she might collapse at any moment. With the help of Hua Mei, she knelt down tremblingly. There was no snow today, but the sky was not clear either. The ground was cold. The Empress Dowager liked to see snow, so the snow in the courtyard was not swept away. Only a small path was cleared. She knelt on the path, her face pale and her whole body weak and boneless. She looked pitiful.
"Your Majesty, I accept the decree." Her voice was weak and feeble, as if she could breathe her last at any moment.
Ji Yun showed no sympathy whatsoever, coldly saying, "By imperial decree of the Empress Dowager, Consort Hao is confined to Jiahan Palace and may not leave Jiahan Palace without permission."
Consort Hao seemed to know this was the inevitable outcome. Her pale face broke into a slight smile, looking pitiful. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."
After saying that, she reached out and helped the plum blossom to her feet. "I have come to beg for forgiveness. The prince is gone. I beg the Empress Dowager to forgive me!" Her voice suddenly became sharp and shrill, and the people in the hall fell silent instantly. No one had any interest in laughing or joking.
"I failed to protect the imperial fetus. I deserve to die. Please forgive me, Your Majesty!" After saying this, she slowly turned around, supported by the preserved plum, and left Fengxin Palace step by step, stubbornly retaliating against the 'humiliation' she had suffered in Fengxin Palace.
However, her frail body looked utterly miserable walking in the cold wind.
The Empress Dowager snapped, "Guards, send Hao Shumei back to the capital!" She slammed her hand on the table, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. "Keep a close eye on Hao Shumei. If she dares to let her out again, I'll break her legs!"
In a flash, she seemed to hesitate and changed her mind. One moment she was all smiles, the next she was filled with murderous intent. After speaking, she stood up and said slowly, "I'm tired. Help me bathe and change. You monkeys can play for a while."
Zhao Shu also had something on her mind, so she quickly stood up and tugged at the Empress Dowager's wide sleeve, saying coquettishly, "Grandmother, A-Jun wants to go to the small kitchen to check on the soup she made, so I'll take my leave first." After saying that, she quickly gave Sun Yun a wink.
Sun Yun stood up and curtsied, "This humble woman also wishes to go and see, please grant me permission, Your Majesty."
The Empress Dowager knew exactly what Zhao Shu was up to, and poked her forehead. "You just ignore everything I say? You just let it go?"
Zhao Shu hurriedly shook her head in denial, "Ah Jun is very obedient. How could she dare to disregard the Empress Dowager's words? If you don't believe me, ask the Crown Prince. If you're worried, have the Crown Prince supervise her."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened, and she nudged him again, saying, "Go on, but don't be silly."
"Thank you, Grandmother." She gave the Empress Dowager a big hug, took Sun Yun's hand, stepped out from behind the screen, and came to the Crown Prince and the others. "Brother Crown Prince, aren't you going to check on the soup you've been making?"
The crown prince seemed somewhat dazed, his bright smile from moments before had faded, and his brows were furrowed with deep melancholy. He managed a weak smile upon hearing Zhao Shu's words, "Alright."
Prince Yong was also extremely dissatisfied with Consort Hao's behavior. Seeing the Crown Prince's sudden change in expression, he felt heartbroken. His daughter had gone to great lengths to please the Crown Prince, and he smiled knowingly. He stood up and said to Peng Rui and the old imperial physician, "Why don't you two go together?"
"I would be more respectful than to comply," Peng Rui said, bowing.
Several people escorted the Crown Prince out of Fengxin Palace. Once they were outside, Zhao Shu said mysteriously, "How about we go play in the snow?"
"Weren't you originally going to the small kitchen?" Sun Yun grabbed her arm and asked, "Oh no, am I aiding and abetting evil? What if the Empress Dowager blames me?"
Despite this, she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes, her excitement sparkling. Half of the girls following behind were almost in tears upon seeing such a girl. They hadn't expected her to be like this. They silently took out a veil and covered Sun Yun's face.
Not to be outdone, Green Ivy took the initiative to cover Zhao Shu's face with a veil and then drape her in a white cloak with cloud patterns and gold feathers. Outside, everything was covered in silver and snow. Everyone put on cloaks at the same time, exchanging jokes from time to time, and arrived at Huaying Garden. This place was somewhat similar to the Imperial Garden, but only slightly.
The Imperial Garden contains the Qin'an Hall, but the Huaying Garden does not have any larger halls, because its area is several times smaller than that of the Imperial Garden.
Upon entering Huaying Garden, the first thing that catches the eye is the exquisite and magnificent rockery and pavilions arranged in a complementary manner, with primary and secondary elements interspersed throughout.
The artificial hill and pavilion are adorned with verdant pines, cypresses, and bamboos. Extending out from underfoot is a cobblestone path, with rows of double-flowered poinsettias planted on both sides. Their leaves are grayish-green and their petals are deep red and vibrant, making them very beautiful.
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