Chapter 60 Falling into the Water
"You two ladies are so kind."
Su Ci smiled as usual. "To be honest, I've always loved growing flowers and plants since I was little. I'm lazy and don't like reading. If I were to write a serious poem, I'd be really worried that you would all laugh at me."
"Why don't you take advantage of this opportunity for the first poem and ask the truly talented and virtuous Concubine to do it for you?"
"Sister Shufei is too modest."
Yan Zhiwan stood up calmly and walked forward to hold Su Ci's hand affectionately: "Since it is my sister's invitation, I will not refuse."
"Thank you, Sister Xianfei."
Su Ci's nose twitched slightly, her smile remained, but she secretly held her breath.
Everyone present were officials' wives who were well aware of the current situation. Seeing the two of them being so close, they couldn't help but secretly speculate, and those who intended to find fault also shut their mouths.
The Marquis of Runan holds a high position of power in the court, and Concubine Xian is in charge of palace affairs on behalf of the Empress. If there are any changes in the future, Concubine Xian will be the undisputed successor to the Empress, and no matter how favored Concubine Shu is, she cannot overcome the difference in background.
No wonder she was so humble to please Consort Xian...
A truly talented woman is not just boasting. The virtuous concubine received numerous praises for her beautiful calligraphy and poems. Everyone was also inspired to write poetry, and they all took up their pens and ink, strolled under the fallen flowers, and started writing.
Without any troublemakers, the atmosphere at the table was harmonious.
Most people were talking to Concubine Xian and Concubine Shu in a very attentive manner, and no one noticed that the Queen's aunt, Sun, secretly slipped a small purse to Nanny Li.
In addition to Guyu, which we always pay attention to.
The female members of the Su family were naturally led by the old lady, followed by Lin Sulan and Lu, as well as Su Mu's wife Tian and the second daughter Su Hui.
Su Ci accepted the greetings from several people as required, took the hands of the old lady and A Niang and greeted them before looking at Su Hui.
"I haven't seen Second Sister for a long time. She looks much thinner. Is everything okay at home?"
Su Ci had never seen this second sister. She only heard from people in the mansion that the second girl had an ordinary appearance and was very timid and cowardly. Zhao Yu randomly pointed her out to a medical officer's family.
Lin Sulan said that Su Hui was kind-hearted and didn't like to stand out. Although her husband's family lived in poverty, she rarely went back to her parents' home for help. She would occasionally ask someone to send some money for Aunt Li's food and clothing.
Su Hui was slightly stunned, and replied with a slightly bent waist.
"Thank you very much for your concern, everything is fine."
Among all the sisters in the family, only the fourth sister was kind to her, but she was helpless as a concubine's daughter who had to make a living under the control of her stepmother. She had no time to take care of herself and they did not have any particularly close relationship.
If Aunt Lin had not invited her today, she would not have been qualified to enter the palace to meet the noble.
"Sisters don't have to be so restrained. I heard from my father that my second sister has given birth to another child. As her aunt, I prepared some small gifts to celebrate the occasion."
Su Hui showed gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
When one person succeeds, everyone around him will benefit. When Su Ci entered the palace and was favored, it was not only the Su family that benefited. Su Hui's husband's family and Lu and Tian's families all benefited. The opportunities for promotion and wealth were all offered to them by others.
Su Ci also understood that it is said that wealth and status are dizzying. Thanks to the upright intentions of Su Yan and Su Li, the father and son, they have become more cautious in their words and deeds and strictly abide by the bottom line after gaining power. Even the minor relatives and younger generations are carefully controlled, for fear that any mistakes will implicate her, the concubine.
"My lady, the plum wine is here."
Guyu handed over the wine glass and touched the index finger of his left hand.
Su Ci took it with a smile, raised her sleeve to the edge of the cup and put it down again, looking at Lin Sulan: "Grandma, please sit down. I'll go see how the poem is going."
"Your Majesty, please do as you please."
The old lady looked at her granddaughter who stood up gracefully with satisfaction, and when she turned around, she heard a click.
"Hey, Guyu, pick it up quickly! This is the red coral bead necklace given to me by the Queen. Check to see if it's broken..."
The red beads fell on the light gray wooden board, making them even more bright and eye-catching.
Guyu picked it up and took a look at it, looking nervous: "My lady, some of them are cracked."
Lin Sulan quickly took it and took a closer look: "It's really cracked, what should I do..."
Su Hui was standing next to Lin Sulan, squinting her eyes at the beads, then she leaned closer and raised her nose, her expression slightly changing as she looked at Su Ci.
"Oh, I was too careless."
Su Ci frowned in annoyance: "Guyu, please put it away carefully first. Another day, ask the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to help find a craftsman to see if it can be repaired."
"yes."
Su Hui followed Lin Sulan back to her seat nervously, her eyes wandering over the concubines. Fear was hidden in her eyes as she quickly glanced at the queen who was in the main seat.
By the lake, Su Ci followed Yan Zhiwan, listening to her explain the meaning of the poems one by one, and was amazed.
"I've long heard of your reputation as a talented woman. Thanks to you being here, otherwise, I, the host, wouldn't even understand a single poem. It would be a real joke."
"Don't say that, sister."
Yan Zhiwan smiled and took her hand: "The poems written by you ladies are still the best. I am ashamed of myself. There are several other outstanding ones here. Sister, please accompany me to take a look."
"Yes, Madam Shufei is too modest."
The two noble ladies beside him smiled and echoed: "How can poetry be recited without wine? Let us offer a toast to the two ladies."
The palace maid brought over a small tray with several identical glass cups on it. The light pink wine was crystal clear and had a faint plum fragrance.
Yan Zhiwan naturally handed a cup to Su Ci and took one for herself.
"Yes, it is a unique experience to write poetry with scenery and wine. Sister, I toast to you."
"Thank you, sister."
Su Ci smiled and raised her sleeve, and half of the cup poured into the small cotton ball in her sleeve. She took out a handkerchief and wiped the corner of her mouth gently.
"This batch of plum wine from the Imperial Household Department is very good. It's refreshingly sweet and delicious."
Yan Zhiwan glanced at the half-full glass of wine in her hand, and the corners of her mouth raised slightly.
"Since my sister likes it, I will ask the housekeeper to send two jars to Yufu Palace."
"Thank you very much, sister."
Su Ci smiled and nodded, raising her hand to touch her cheek: "It's just that this wine has a strong aftereffect. It made my face red. I must not drink too much."
"My sister's beautiful face, with a hint of drunkenness, is even better than the finest rouge..."
Yan Zhiwan still held Su Ci's arm affectionately, walking slowly in front of the screens by the lake, laughing softly, followed by several low-ranking concubines and a group of noble ladies.
Although Su Ci was careful to hold her breath, she couldn't help but inhale some of Yan Zhiwan's rich fragrance, and her stomach felt vaguely nauseous.
"Hmm..."
Yan Zhiwan's eyes flickered as she looked at the person rubbing his forehead, a glimmer of light flashing in her eyes.
"What happened to my sister?"
"nothing…"
Su Ci frowned and shook her head, looking ashamed: "Look at my alcohol tolerance, I'm a little dizzy..."
Catching a glimpse of Yanyu approaching under the plum tree ahead, Su Ci exhaled secretly, glanced around, and leaned close to Yan Zhiwan's ear, speaking with a smile.
"Sister, look at that plum tree up there..."
When Yan Zhiwan looked up, she suddenly felt a stabbing pain in her waist. She subconsciously pulled her hand away from Su Ci and touched her waist.
"ah…"
Everyone saw Concubine Xian suddenly swing her hand, and the slightly tipsy Concubine Shu screamed and was pushed to stagger back!
"My queen, be careful!"
"Empress!"
"Ah, sister..."
Su Ci screamed and bumped into the wooden railing that was only thigh-high, and fell backwards.
Bang!
"Ah! Master!"
"Shu, Concubine Shu fell into the water!"
…
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