Chapter 250 World Ten (Twenty-one)
Yinhua was both happy and worried when she learned that Baoshan had been given the title of Lan Zhaoyuan. She was happy that Chu Boyu was not a heartless person and was willing to give Baoshan a title. Furthermore, Zhaoyuan's rank was not low, so even if Chu Boyu took on a new favorite, Baoshan would not be reduced to a pitiful object that could be despised by others.
But Yinhua was worried that Chu Boyu's actions would only make Baoshan sink deeper into trouble, and her feelings for Chu Boyu would only deepen. If Chu Boyu ever really favored another beautiful woman, Baoshan would surely be heartbroken.
Unlike Yinhua's melancholy, Baoshan's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling. She looked at the gifts that nearly filled the palace, her slender fingers sliding across the gilded boxes, her eyes pure and innocent, a look of arousal stirring.
"Your Majesty... He treats me so well."
Upon hearing this, Yinhua stepped forward and whispered softly, "Your Majesty treats you well today, and he will treat other women the same way tomorrow. After all, as a monarch, the most common thing you see is beauties competing for beauty."
A look of bewilderment flashed across Baoshan's watery eyes. She released her hand from caressing the box, her previously delighted expression vanishing completely. Baoshan's dark brows furrowed, her entire body like a flower dehydrated. Her soft lips parted, a note of dejection filling her. "Yes, Your Majesty will have other concubines in the future. I'm so insignificant, I'm afraid that in just a few days, Your Majesty will forget me, and never think of me again."
After she finished speaking, her long, black eyelashes slowly drooped, casting a shadow on her fair skin.
Yinhua couldn't bear it, and was thinking about what would happen tomorrow. She would feel sad again tomorrow.
Why should she let Baoshan be immersed in the sorrow of losing favor all day long?
Moreover, Yinhua originally wanted to be ruthless and let Baoshan know the cruelty of the harem.
But when she saw Baoshan's distraught look, she felt so sorry for him that she could no longer bear to do it.
Yinhua hurriedly coaxed, "But Baoshan, you and His Majesty are definitely different. His Majesty has been particularly fond of you since you were first granted the throne. So, how can we use those ordinary imperial favors to judge the affection between you and His Majesty?"
Baoshan was a pure-hearted person, and after being comforted by Yinhua, she immediately smiled.
She took Yinhua's hand and asked in a soft voice what style of dress she should wear when she saw Chu Boyu again.
At this moment, Baoshan seemed like a poor woman who was completely bewildered by the emperor's favor and was deeply concerned about Chu Boyu.
Empress Dowager Zhong leaned on the beauty couch, closed her eyes and listened to the report from the secret guard.
Chu Boyu did not understand what was going on in women's minds, but Empress Dowager Zhong did.
Empress Dowager Zhong specifically ordered someone to secretly inquire about Baoshan's words and deeds and report back in detail.
The secret guard said in a deep voice, "...Lan Zhaoyuan and Yinhua discussed for a long time what clothes to wear and what jewelry to wear. Then, noticing the darkness, they bathed and went to bed."
Queen Mother Zhong opened her eyes, a dark light flashing in them: "So it seems that she really is as beautiful as she looks, a true white flower."
After saying this, Empress Dowager Zhong sneered again: "But in this harem, where is there anyone who is consistent in appearance and heart?
If Lan Zhaoyuan didn't have some tricks up her sleeve, Boyu would have overstepped the boundaries and given her the title of Zhaoyuan... and he even deliberately avoided me with this matter..."
The mention of this matter still made Empress Dowager Zhong feel like a thorn in her throat. Ever since General Zhong brought Chu Boyu to the capital, Empress Dowager Zhong had hoped that Chu Boyu would have the demeanor of an emperor and act decisively.
But now that Chu Boyu acted decisively, Empress Dowager Zhong felt a little uncomfortable.
After all, Empress Dowager Zhong and General Zhong had taught Chu Boyu painstakingly for many years, but they had not been able to change his temperament.
It had only been a short time since the treasure fan appeared in front of Chu Boyu, yet Chu Boyu did so much for her.
Chu Boyu did not let Baoshan stay in the palace maid's bedroom for a long time. He soon ordered the eunuch to take Baoshan to Zhaoyuan's palace.
The chief eunuch ordered several young eunuchs to pack up the precious fan and then lead it to Zhilan Palace.
Seeing Bao Shan's beautiful eyes turn slightly and a look of confusion appeared on her face, the chief eunuch hurriedly explained softly, "This Zhilan Palace was personally selected by His Majesty. Various flowers are planted in it, and vibrant colors can be seen all year round.
The palace was cleaned three times inside and out by the palace servants until it was spotless.
Fresh fruit was placed inside to ensure the fragrance of the hall. Only then was Lan Zhaoyuan welcomed into the Zhilan Hall.
Bao Shan said softly, "Thank you, eunuch and all the palace ladies."
The chief eunuch hurriedly said that he dared not, as these were his duties and there was no question of whether he was tired or not.
Baoshan walked into Zhilan Palace and could actually smell the elegant and fresh fruity fragrance.
There is a bead curtain hanging in the hall, and when the breeze blows, you can hear the crisp sound of the beads.
Bao Shan couldn't help but think of the embarrassing scene in the black boat. She softened her voice and asked, "What is this pearl curtain..."
Immediately, a pleasant-looking palace maid came forward and said, "This was chosen by His Majesty himself. He said that ordinary gauze curtains are tacky and unsuitable for Zhaoyuan."
When Baoshan heard this, a blush appeared on her cheeks.
After Baoshan met the palace maids and eunuchs in Zhilan Palace, he gave them a few gentle instructions and then said that he liked quietness and would not summon anyone into the inner palace to serve him when he had nothing to do on weekdays.
Although the palace servants were puzzled, they had no choice but to obey their master's orders.
The palace attendants retreated to the outer hall. Baoshan's face, still that pitiful beauty, was now devoid of any shyness. She paced slowly, surveying the furnishings around her. Whether it was the screen, the couch, or the surrounding objects, everything was perfectly to Baoshan's liking.
Baoshan felt calm. Thinking of the strange things in the palace maid's bedroom, it was not difficult to guess something.
In the imperial palace, there must be quite a few women who were indignant about Baoshan entering the harem as a dancer.
However, those women must not easily interfere with the palace maids' bedrooms.
The only one who can control the affairs of the harem at will is Empress Dowager Zhong.
Ever since Chu Boyu's decree was passed down, Bao Shan had been guessing that this must not have been agreed upon by Empress Dowager Zhong, but rather something Chu Boyu did at will.
From a dancer to Zhaoyuan, in the eyes of Empress Dowager Zhong, Baoshan has probably become a scheming woman who seduces the emperor.
But if Baoshan were asked to consider the choice between having a position as a Zhaoyuan or being a quiet and beautiful lady, Baoshan would prefer the former.
Even if the latter is more in line with the rules, it will not displease Empress Dowager Zhong, and the treasure fan can then be obtained slowly.
But what Baoshan wanted was never to be a meek concubine of low status.
Being a lowly concubine was no different from being in the Imperial Music Bureau—you could be bullied at will. As for rank, the higher the better. But Baoshan knew in her heart that Zhaoyuan was the highest position Chu Boyu could offer her.
Since Baoshan was the only one in the harem, she no longer worried about her status.
After all, it was already a very good development that Chu Boyu broke the conventional rules for the treasure fan and went against Empress Dowager Zhong's wishes.
Since there was a first time, the second and third times will naturally not be far behind.
At this time, Baoshan did not want to try to please Empress Dowager Zhong in a timid manner.
Whether it succeeded or not is another matter. If Chu Boyu knew about this, he would rather go against Empress Dowager Zhong's wishes to show his favor, and would turn against him. This would definitely make Chu Boyu unhappy.
It is enough for Baoshan to just play the role of a weak woman who is intoxicated by Chu Boyu's favor.
As the bright moon rose, Baoshan, served by the palace maids, walked into the hot spring pool filled with white mist, wearing a gauze.
On the east and west sides, there is a golden dragon head each, with a round bead in its mouth, and hot water gurgling out of it.
The steps were paved with white jade, and Baoshan felt warm and smooth as she walked barefoot on them.
The veil covering the precious fan was half-peeled off, revealing her round, fair shoulders. The maids waiting around her all blushed. They stepped forward and took the veil.
The slender and delicate bend of her legs was gradually covered by the warm water, and Baoshan was completely submerged in the hot spring.
The palace maids took out fresh flower petals and sprinkled them into the hot spring.
The delicate and gorgeous petals float gently around the precious fan, covering up the beautiful scenery.
The palace maid was half-sitting on the white jade steps, one hand gently holding the precious fan that held her waterfall-like black hair, and the other hand applying fragrant ointment.
The hot spring pool was silent; the only sound could be heard as hot water gurgled from the dragon's head. The water flowed into the pool, creating tiny ripples.
The hot steam dyed the jade-like skin of Baoshan into a light red color.
She slightly opened her lips, and crystal clear, round drops of water slowly flowed down along her graceful contours.
Seeing that Baoshan was weak and spoke softly, the palace maid couldn't help but say a few more words.
"Lan Zhaoyuan is so beautiful and delicate, your majesty will surely be very happy."
Because she was soaking in the warm hot spring, Baoshan's body was weak and powerless, and she could only lean against the jade wall weakly. When she opened her mouth, her voice was soft and numb.
"Your Majesty...you would really like it..."
The palace maid nodded in agreement. Even a woman would blush when seeing such a beautiful woman.
What's more, Chu Boyu was at the age of full vigor and had never been involved with women.
If Chu Boyu saw the precious fan, he would definitely lose control and act recklessly.
The maid finished styling her hair and was about to put it down when she saw Chu Boyu. She shuddered and was about to call out, "Your Majesty," but Chu Boyu gently shook his head, and the maid fell silent.
Chu Boyu bent down and took the strands of black hair from the palace maid's hand.
Baoshan had no idea that the person who was helping her bathe and change clothes had been replaced.
Baoshan raised her white jade arms and gently splashed the cool hot water onto her skin.
She lowered her eyes, looked at the water, and said with worry in her voice: "The king is very affectionate, Your Majesty... I don't know when you will remember me... I am of humble status. If it weren't for Your Majesty, I would just be a dancer in the Jiaofang Bureau.
But perhaps human hearts are always so greedy, after getting this, they want that..."
Bao Shan sighed softly, feeling ashamed of her own dissatisfaction. But she couldn't help but feel sad when she thought that Chu Boyu would find a new favorite in the future.
Chu Boyu's palm slid to Baoshan's soft shoulder and gently pressed it.
As an emperor, Chu Boyu should be treated with dignity and wealth, and his hands should be smooth and delicate.
But when Chu Boyu was young, he suffered a period of hardship in the remote Shu area, and there was a thin layer of calluses on his fingertips.
Therefore, as soon as Chu Boyu placed his palm on it, Bao Shan trembled and said in a delicate voice: "Your hand, why is it like this..."
Bao Shan's eyelashes twitched, and she was worried that the word "rough" would hurt the palace maid, so she said softly, "I have a jade cream that can soften the skin. You can go to Zhilan Palace and get a bottle.
There are many things to do in the harem, and it is not your own will that your hands have calluses.
But women’s skin is important, so we should take good care of it.”
After Bao Shan finished speaking, according to common sense, the palace maid who had helped Bao Shan bathe should have stood up and expressed her gratitude. However, the palace maid remained silent and did not speak.
In contrast, the maid's actions were the opposite. Her broad hands massaged Bao Shan's shoulders, causing her legs to weaken and she almost lost her balance.
Bao Shan called her softly, "Don't do this, I can't stand it..."
But the daring palace maid did not stop there, and even became more unscrupulous.
"You are so rude..."
Bao Shan's eyes trembled slightly, and she could barely form a sentence. However, those hands suddenly stopped, stroking Bao Shan's delicate chin, forcing her to turn around.
When Bao Shan saw Chu Boyu, who had handsome eyebrows and dark eyes, his eyes widened and he asked in disbelief, "Your Majesty, how could it be you..."
Chu Boyu said in a deep voice: "It was originally me."
He leaned over, leaving shallow teeth marks on Baoshan's soft white earlobe, and with the gesture of rubbing his ear against hers, he warned Baoshan: "From now on, don't tell these things to the palace maids, tell them to me instead."
Baoshan lowered her eyelids, and then she vaguely remembered what nonsense she had just said.
Her fair face was full of panic, and her weak body was shaky. She was saved from falling by being held by Chu Boyu.
"What I just said was nonsense, and it doesn't count."
Chu Boyu kissed her lips, his voice muffled.
"Oh, is that so? But I was extremely sober when I did these things."
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