Chapter 3: Flattery
As expected, the eunuch from the Taiji Palace had delivered the bracelet.
At this time, Yao Baolin, who had been playing in the garden with Lu Baolin, also came back. Seeing this scene, I wonder what he felt. He must have suspected that Shen Chuliu did not go with them, but went to the peach forest by herself and met the emperor...
Shen Chuliu did not explain. No one could say what was going on in the harem. Yao Baolin had fallen out of favor since he was in the palace, but he was still able to get an eighth-rank Baolin. Who knows if he was just pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger? After a few words of gossip, they went back.
The two of them had low ranks, so although they lived in Cuiyunxuan, they could only live in the side halls. Only those who had achieved the rank of nine concubines could live in the main hall.
However, the Nine Concubines were too far away, and Shen Chuliu was thinking that if she could climb to the fifth-rank beauty, she could live in a pavilion all by herself.
But in the harem, being a fifth-rank beauty is one hurdle, and being a ninth-rank concubine is another hurdle.
For many people, their lives end with nine concubines.
"Baolin, I think Yao Baolin may have some ideas in her mind. She offended the emperor in the past, so she can forget about being favored in this life." Zizhu said softly.
Zi Rui also came over: "You ignorant girl, since you know that she can't be favored, what's the point? Our Baolin has only been in the palace for a year, how can he know about the past?"
Zizhu exclaimed: "But don't you know this?"
"What do you know? I know nothing, and Baolin doesn't know anything either." Zi Rui glared.
Zizhu stuck out her tongue: "Ah, I don't know, I said the wrong thing."
Shen Chuliu shook her head gently: "You think too much."
Within half a day, the news of Shen Baolin's "chance encounter" with the emperor in the peach forest spread, and it was said that he was rewarded with a pair of white jade bracelets.
As for whether it was a coincidence, who would believe it? These newcomers to the palace were all eagerly waiting to see each other, and Shen Baolin had a good family background, so how could he not want to see him?
Look, here I see it.
It was just that last night Concubine Cao and Concubine Li stole the limelight, but now Baolin is the one taking advantage.
Sure enough, at dusk, a message came from Taiji Hall that the Emperor had turned over Shen Baolin's name card and asked Shen Baolin to get dressed and that Feng Luan Chunen's car would come to pick her up soon.
Shen Chuliu thanked the person and gave him some money as a reward.
"I'll dress you up." Zi Rui was very happy.
"It's so hot, so keep it simple. Wear that ruqun." Shen Chuliu said.
She was wearing a high-waisted skirt, a verdant skirt with beautiful embroidered patterns on it. The jacket on top was light pink, and the belt was pink with some gold thread, not too conspicuous, but just right.
She has a bun with a round shape, which is playful and beautiful. She uses a ribbon made of pink and green silk ribbon to fix her hair. It is decorated with pearl flowers made of broken gemstones, which makes her look fresh, clean and lively.
Because I'm young, I just draw my eyebrows and eyeliner myself. No other makeup is needed.
She wore a pair of small white jade pendants on her ears, which were shaped like gourds.
I put on a pair of round white jade bracelets that I got today on my wrists.
It was midsummer. She held a round fan embroidered with a pattern of flowing clouds in her hand and went out with her skirt lifted up lightly.
Zi Rui followed behind, and the eunuch greeted her and helped her into the Fengluan Chunen carriage.
To be honest, it has been four months since I last slept with you.
No wonder Zi Rui was anxious, she was indeed not very motivated.
However, since I have entered the palace, I have no choice but to make progress.
The main reason she was unwilling to move forward before was because she had not given birth to a child. Now Concubine Cao is pregnant. Both Ning Cairen and Li Baolin had lost their babies before. This time, the emperor will surely save Concubine Cao's baby.
It's okay for her to come forward.
Besides, it would not be a good idea for her to step out rashly after entering the palace. She should first look at the forces of all parties and the personalities of everyone.
She is only seventeen, why is she in such a hurry?
Last year, there were six new people, and she was the only Baolin. If she stood out, wouldn’t she be suppressed? Now, there are six new people, and three of them are Baolin. If she stands out now, it won’t be a problem.
She was thinking clearly, with a smile on her face, as if she was very happy.
In the Taiji Hall, she got off the car, walked into the hall, and greeted Qi Yixiu who was sitting by the window reading a book.
The girl was seen holding up her skirt, holding a round fan in one hand, and bowing gracefully.
The voice is sweet and soft, very pleasant to hear.
"Why is the emperor still reading? It's dusk and there are no lights. Reading at this time is bad for your eyes." Shen Chuliu walked over and took the book from Qi Yixiu's hand: "The emperor's eyes are not his own. They belong to everyone in the world. They must not be damaged."
Chu Si watched from behind and thought to himself, this guy is so bold! Shen Chuliu is not afraid, this emperor always treats people kindly. Of course, he can't really be a kind person.
But he would not get angry even if his concubine did this.
Otherwise, wouldn't his character be ruined? As expected, Qi Yixiu smiled and said, "Then it's up to you."
Qi Yixiu stopped reading and took Shen Chuliu to sit aside: "What do you usually do in your room?"
"I don't usually have much to do. After paying respects every day, I sit in the Imperial Garden and talk with other sisters. After returning home, I occasionally read a book and play with the little girl. I talk to Sister Yao, and the day is over." Shen Chuliu said, "I am not as busy as the emperor. He must be very busy."
"Not all emperors are like this. Your life is quite leisurely. The other day I heard you say that you are not good at calligraphy or painting, nor are you good at needlework. So, my beloved concubine, what are you good at?" Qi Yixiu said, "Don't say that you are just pretty. How can the granddaughter of Mr. Shen have only good looks?"
Shen Chuliu smiled: "Among my sisters, I am the least capable. I only have good looks. If there is one advantage, it is that I am brave. But my grandmother also said that I have a bad temper and I am easily at a disadvantage."
"You look very brave." Qi Yixiu smiled and lifted the girl's chin with one hand: "You are very good at dressing up. Did your maid do it for you?"
"No, no, it was my idea! The girl wanted to wear all the gold and silver jewelry. But I don't want to. I am still young and more beautiful than flowers. How can I dress like that? It looks old-fashioned."
Qi Yixiu smiled. There weren't many people who were so good at boasting.
"Well, you're dressed well, I like it very much." But to be honest, she is quite refreshing and beautiful.
"The emperor is also very handsome, especially when he wears a silver robe, he is truly elegant and graceful." Shen Chuliu flattered him.
Qi Yixiu raised his almond-shaped eyes slightly and said nothing.
"On the fourth day of the New Year, let's set the table."
"If you want to eat anything, tell Chusi." Qi Yixiu looked at Shen Chuliu.
"Let's not talk about it for now. Let's see what the emperor eats. Maybe I like to eat what the emperor likes to eat?" Shen Chuliu said sweetly.
Qi Yixiu nodded.
He thought that all the women in the harem wanted to please him, but he still enjoyed such obvious and blatant flattery.
Update in the morning.
(End of this chapter)
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