Lunar New Year's Day
The gentle morning light of the first day of the Lunar New Year streamed into the room through the paper window. Ya Huan was still fast asleep, clutching her pillow, a few crumbs of last night's dessert still clinging to her lips. I tiptoed out of bed and pushed open the door. There stood Consort Rong in the corner of the courtyard, under the small peach tree, a small pair of scissors in her hand, gently gesturing at the branches. She was wearing a light pink dress, the hem of which was damp with morning dew. When she saw me, the tips of her ears turned slightly red, and she said softly, "I... I think the branches are a bit messy, and I wanted to... I wanted to help prune them so they'd look better when they bloom in spring."
I walked over, took the scissors from her hand, and said with a smile, "When pruning branches, you should first cut off the dead branches, then leave the strong branches, so that the nutrients can be concentrated." Consort Rong nodded, leaned closer, and gently touched a dry branch with her fingertips: "This... should I cut it off?" Her movements were very gentle, as if she was afraid of hurting the peach tree. As soon as I nodded, she carefully pinched the branch and asked me to help her cut it off, her eyes full of seriousness.
Just then, Consort Rong saw the Dowager Consort Xian approaching, leaning on her cane and carrying a food box. Smiling, she said, "You two maids, so busy so early in the morning. Come and try some of the rice cakes I had Zhang Mama make; they're freshly steamed and still warm." Consort Rong quickly put down the branches and helped carry the rice cakes to the stone table. The sweet aroma of glutinous rice mixed with the fragrance of red dates instantly filled the air. The Dowager Consort Xian picked up a piece and handed it to Consort Rong: "Girl, you're not well, eat more warm food. I noticed you didn't eat much on New Year's Eve yesterday; was it because you didn't like it?" Consort Rong took the rice cake and said softly, "No, it's delicious. I… I just can't eat too much." As she spoke, she still took small bites, her cheeks puffed out like a little squirrel stealing a treat.
After breakfast, Consort Su sent someone to summon us to her courtyard, saying that the incense pills were ready and she wanted to distribute them to everyone. A row of porcelain bottles sat in her room, each with a small note attached, indicating the name and instructions for use. "This one is for Consort Xian; I added some longan pulp to replenish her qi and blood," Consort Su said, picking up a celadon bottle and handing it to me. "This one for Consort Li has some calming herbs and a touch of rose to improve her complexion. Consort Rong's is the mildest, mainly lavender; she's always a bit tense, and smelling it helps her relax."
Consort Rong took the porcelain vase, opened it, and smelled it. She whispered, "It smells wonderful. Thank you, Consort Su." Consort Su smiled and patted her hand. "If you like it, I'll make you some different flavors later. Oh, and I've kept some dried flowers. If you'd like them embroidered on handkerchiefs, feel free to come and get them anytime." Consort Rong's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously. "Okay, thank you, Your Highness."
Leaving Consort Su's courtyard, we carried the incense pills to deliver to Consort Li. Just as we reached the gate, we heard the sound of a pipa coming from inside, intermittent but much smoother than before. Pushing open the door, we saw Consort Li sitting on the veranda, playing the instrument. Sunlight fell on her, adding a touch of rosy color to her pale cheeks. Seeing us, she stopped playing and smiled, saying, "You've come at the right time. I've just mastered the first half of 'Spring River Flower Moon Night.' Would you like to hear if it sounds good?"
Ya Huan nodded quickly and moved a small stool to sit beside her. Consort Li took a deep breath, her fingertips plucking the strings again, and a clear melody flowed out, like a spring stream brushing against green stones, carrying a touch of warmth. Consort Rong sat to the side, holding a porcelain bottle of incense balls, listening intently. Unconsciously, she quietly moved her body closer to Consort Li in the corridor. When the piece ended, she whispered, "It's so beautiful, even more beautiful than... even more beautiful than what's described in the picture book." Consort Li smiled, her eyes crinkling, "When the peach blossoms bloom in spring, I'll play the whole piece for you."
In the afternoon, we discussed making some new desserts. Consort Li said she would teach us how to make peach blossom pastries, but since we didn't have any fresh peach blossoms, we decided to use red bean paste instead. Ya Huan was in charge of kneading the dough. Being weak, she kneaded until her face was red, but the dough was still a bit stiff. Consort Rong sat beside her, watching her struggle. After a moment's hesitation, she whispered, "I... I'll try. I've watched the head housekeeper knead dough before." She washed her hands, took the dough, and gently pressed it with her fingertips. Her movements were gentle yet firm, and soon the dough became soft and smooth. Ya Huan's eyes widened in amazement: "Your Majesty, you're amazing! You knead much better than me!" Consort Rong's cheeks flushed slightly, and she whispered, "No... it's nothing, I just followed the head housekeeper's instructions."
Consort Li was in charge of making the filling, I helped roll out the dough, and Consort Rong learned to wrap the filling inside the dough and then pinch it into the shape of flower petals. Her hands were very skillful, and the peach blossom pastries she made were lifelike. However, after making one, she would secretly glance at us, as if seeking approval. Consort Li picked one up and said with a smile, "Consort Rong, with your skills, you could open a pastry shop in the future." Consort Rong quickly shook her head, "No... no, I only make them occasionally." Although she said that, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up.
As evening fell, just as the peach blossom pastries were being baked, Qin Lan arrived carrying a food box, followed by Consort Hui. "I heard you were making pastries, so Consort Hui and I came to freeload," Qin Lan said with a smile, opening the box to reveal some delicate candied fruits. "Consort Hui had the small kitchen make these, saying they were for you as snacks." Consort Hui stood to the side, feigning indifference, and said, "I just happened to be passing by and wanted to... also ask how Consort Li's pipa practice is going." Consort Li picked up a freshly made peach blossom pastry and offered it to her: "Just made, have a taste. I've almost finished practicing the pipa; when you have time, we can play a duet." Consort Hui took the pastry, took a bite, her eyes softening, but she still insisted, "It's alright, better than the ones from the Imperial Kitchen."
Everyone sat around the table, eating peach blossom pastries and chatting. The afterglow of the setting sun streamed through the window, bathing everyone's figures in a warm golden light. The Consort Xian leaned back in her rattan chair, listening to everyone's laughter and conversation with a faint smile. Consort Su served tea to everyone, occasionally interjecting a few words. Consort Rong sat in a corner, holding a peach blossom pastry in her hands, taking small bites, and occasionally exchanging a few words with Qin Lan. Consort Hui and Consort Li huddled together, whispering about their pipa duet, their eyes filled with anticipation.
Suddenly remembering something, Ya Huan ran back into the house and retrieved a cloth bag containing the insects she had woven over the past few days—grasshoppers, dragonflies, and little rabbits, each one incredibly lifelike. "Consort Li, when you move out, I'll give you all these insects," Ya Huan said, handing the bag over. "That way, when you see them in your new palace, it'll be like seeing us." Consort Li took the bag, her eyes slightly reddening, and softly said, "Thank you, Huan'er. I'll keep them safe and come to visit you often."
As dusk fell, Consort Hui and Qin Lan prepared to return. Before leaving, Consort Hui took Consort Li's hand and whispered, "The Emperor has already given word; he will issue an edict in a few days. Please wait a little longer." Consort Li nodded and smiled, saying, "I'm not in a hurry. With you all here, I'm quite content." Consort Hui's eyes reddened, but she said nothing more, only squeezing Qin Lan's hand tightly.
After seeing them off, we sat in the courtyard watching the stars. Ya Huan leaned against me and whispered, "Sister A Zhao, do you think we'll still be able to see each other as often as we do now after Consort Li moves out?" Consort Rong also looked up, her eyes filled with worry. Consort Xian smiled and said, "Of course she will. Consort Li is a loyal and devoted girl; she'll definitely come to see us often. Besides, our Cold Palace is so lively; she won't want to leave." Consort Su nodded as well, "Yes, no matter where she moves, we'll still be family."
A gentle night breeze carries the fragrance of winter plum blossoms and the anticipation of spring.
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