At this time, in Zhongcui Palace, people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs delivered this month's allowance.
Concubine Shu specifically asked, "Has any Shu brocade been sent as tribute?"
Chief Steward Liu quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the Shu brocade was delivered yesterday, and the rewards have been distributed today according to the Emperor's order."
Concubine Shu tightly grasped the handkerchief in her hand, a hint of a smile hanging on the corner of her mouth as she continued to ask, "Where were the rewards given to?"
"Five horses were delivered in total, two to the Cining Palace, one to the Jingren Palace, and the remaining two were given to Lady Sheng by the Emperor."
After the people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs left, Concubine Shu felt upset in her chest and clenched her hands so tightly that even the golden armor was deeply embedded in her palms. The pain was so severe that she took off the armor and threw it aside.
Hongxiu advised, "Don't be angry, Your Majesty. Concubine Sheng has only just gained favor, and it won't last long. The Emperor is just in a momentary mood now, and he will naturally cool down after a while."
Concubine Shu looked sad. "Last year, the Emperor remembered to reward me with a piece of Shu brocade, but this year he didn't. Yesterday, the Emperor stared at the phoenix-peony dress I was wearing, as if to warn me not to steal the Empress's honor and limelight."
Everything changed. When did it all start?
Concubine Shu thought about it carefully and realized that she had begun to lose power since Qi Yan died on the battlefield.
"The Emperor no longer smiles at me like he used to. He always has a stern face when we meet. I am no longer of any use to him..."
Concubine Shu gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, feeling very sad.
Also related to Qi Yan, why was Sheng Xiyan able to gain the emperor's favor, while he lost it?
Hongxiu tried her best to comfort her, "The day before yesterday, the Empress mentioned that she needed someone to help manage the affairs of the harem. Your Majesty, you have a great chance of being chosen. Why don't you try your best?"
Concubine Shu cheered up, "That's right, I shouldn't complain about myself. I must get the right to assist in managing the six palaces."
Then he asked, "What are the results of the Queen's investigation?"
"The Queen did put away her embroidery frame a month ago and hasn't been embroidering recently."
"No wonder. I must find a new way to prevent her from giving birth to a legitimate prince."
In the side hall of Chuxiu Palace, the Imperial Household Department's Chief Steward Liu personally delivered Shu brocade and said with a broad smile, "Young Master Sheng, you have a promising future. I will not make a mistake in your judgment."
Sheng Xiyan gave him a bag of silver and said with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work, Manager Liu."
After he left, Hua Xia and Mei Xiang carefully touched the Shu brocade one by one. They had never seen it before, and they all exclaimed how beautiful it would be if it were made into a dress.
"My lady, tomorrow I will call the ladies from the Clothing Bureau to come and take your measurements and tailor a dress for you. It will be ready in a few days. Please put it on and show it to the Emperor. He will surely like it very much."
Sheng Xiyan gently wiped the sweat from Jiang Jiang's forehead with a handkerchief, with a doting smile on her face.
"Hua Xia, take a piece of cloth to Jingren Palace and tell the Empress that I'm making a skirt for Princess Lewen."
Meixiang nodded in agreement, and Huaxia said with a smile, "After all, the eldest princess is our young master's future wife, so she should be given a gift."
Sheng Xiyan pinched Jiang Jiang's round, chubby little face and asked lovingly, "Jiang Jiang, is mother good to your wife?"
"Mother……"
Jiang Jiang seemed to make a sound similar to calling, which surprised everyone present. They praised him one after another: "Young Master, you are really great. Come and try calling this servant Hua Xia's name!"
Jiang Jiang giggled happily when he heard the compliment, then used his hands and feet to climb onto the couch and started playing with the tangram puzzle by himself.
Sheng Xiyan looked at him with emotion, an indescribable sadness welling up in her heart. She thought to herself, "Qi Yan, our son is almost two years old and will soon learn to speak. If you are still here, rest assured."
Today is the first day of the new year. According to tradition, the emperor must go to Jingren Palace.
As night fell and after dinner, Sheng Xiyan took Jiang Jiang to the palace early, played with him to her heart's content, and coaxed him into sleep.
Hua Xia walked in carefully, carrying a bowl of steaming donkey hide gelatin soup, and said softly, "My lady, your menstrual period is about to begin. Drink this donkey hide gelatin soup quickly to replenish your body."
Sheng Xiyan gently covered Jiang Jiang with a quilt and whispered, "You must take good care of the small kitchen. Be sure to check carefully to see if the fire is out at night."
"Please rest assured, my lady. Aunt Zhang has already checked it out personally. There will definitely be no problems."
Sheng Xiyan picked up the donkey-hide gelatin soup and drank it all, then lay down to rest.
That night, the wind was extremely strong, constantly blowing the branches in the yard, making a creaking sound.
Suddenly, there was a huge noise outside the hall. Sheng Xiyan woke up suddenly and climbed to the window in panic to look out, but was surprised to find that there was a flickering fire outside.
Hua Xia rushed in and said, "My lady, take the young master and run away quickly! There's a fire!"
"Why did the fire suddenly start?"
Sheng Xiyan was extremely anxious. She hurriedly picked up Jiang Jiang and jumped off the bed. Suddenly, she remembered an important item. She gave Jiang Jiang to Hua Xia and quickly ran to the drawer to take out a square jewelry box. It was a set of jewelry made of jade that Qi Yan had given her that day.
"Go!"
They ran out of the temple and looked towards the small kitchen on the right. The fire had become very big, and was especially intense due to the strong wind.
Flames were raging and black smoke was billowing, as if they were going to engulf the entire palace.
"Hurry, get out now."
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