Chapter 8 Rong Xin Becomes Alert
Suddenly, when Rong Xin heard Huipin asking about Yunqin, she immediately became alert, but said calmly, "We went out together, but I used to serve Nanny Ruan, and I have never met Yunqin."
Huipin nodded and suddenly changed the subject, "I heard that His Majesty specifically asked for Yunqin's name last night?"
Rong Xin's heart skipped a beat and she slowed down her hair-combing movements. "Yes, I did ask." After saying that, she secretly glanced at Huipin's expression.
Seeing that Huipin was still looking at her, she continued, "She didn't say anything else. It looked like she was just asking casually."
"Then Yunqin didn't say anything to you?" Huipin retracted her gaze, pinching a pearl on the hairpin with her fingers, and said casually.
Rong Xin lowered her eyes to look at the dark hair in her hands, hiding the tension in her eyes, and said with a smile: "She was only concerned about making the queen happy, so she didn't remember anything else, even the injuries on her body."
"Injured?" Huipin raised her eyes.
Rong Xin deliberately showed some anger, "They are from Yukang Palace, they are really vicious, Yunqin's arms are all blue and purple, it looks like there is no healthy skin left."
Huipin was slightly startled when she heard this, and then she remembered that everyone in the palace was caring about the emperor this morning, and she was the only one who risked angering the emperor to care about her, and her expression was moved.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier? Go to the warehouse and get her the best ointment."
Rong Xin shook her head and sighed, "Even if the Majesty gave her ointment, she wouldn't apply it. This morning, I advised her to apply some ointment, but she didn't apply it because she was afraid that the smell of the ointment would irritate the Majesty."
Huipin couldn't help but touch her lower abdomen, and her smile became genuine again, "She is thoughtful." But she didn't mention finding ointment for Yunqin again.
Rong Xin knew that she believed it, and felt a little relieved, knowing that he had fooled her this time.
However, even if Huipin puts aside her doubts, it will probably only be temporary. Mingzhu will never be covered in dust, and Yunqin will probably become more and more annoying from now on.
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With Rong Xin serving in the palace, Yun Qin was in no hurry to return. She stayed beside the cook, chatting with her and learning from her.
Everyone in the palace knew that she was now serving the Empress, and they all looked up to her. The cooks were even more patient with her and didn't try to get her to leave like before.
When Yun Qin came back and just walked to the door of the palace, she was stopped by Rong Xin who came out to greet her.
"I see there's not much charcoal left in the palace. Go get some from the Ministry of Internal Affairs."
Yunqin was a little confused. She remembered that Ajing had just gone to collect it the day before. Although she was confused, she did not doubt it. She just thought that because of the cold spring weather in the past few days, more charcoal was used.
"Okay, I'll go get it." She nodded, but was stopped just as she was about to leave.
Rong Xin walked forward and stuffed a handkerchief into her hand. "I embroidered this recently. Go find Aunt Ruan and give it to her for me."
Yun Qin looked down at the handkerchief in her hand. There was an embroidered pattern of entwined plum blossoms on it. Although it was simple, the craftsmanship was extraordinary and it looked lifelike.
She immediately pretended to be angry and said, "Sister, you always think of Nanny Ruan for all the good things. I have been eyeing the handkerchiefs you embroidered for a long time!"
"Remember, I'll embroider it for you in the next few days!" Rong Xin smiled.
Yun Qin succeeded and immediately smiled and said, "I've been waiting." After she said that, she waved to Rong Xin and walked out of the palace.
Seeing her leave, Rong Xin breathed a sigh of relief. She had intentionally sent Yun Qin away.
The Emperor should be here soon. The Empress has become suspicious. If she is allowed to stay in the same room with the Emperor again, it is inevitable that someone will notice something.
It seems that I must find some time to talk to Yunqin about this matter.
Sure enough, not long after Yun Qin left, the emperor entered Chunxi Palace.
Looking at Huipin, whose makeup was refreshed and whose temperament was even more outstanding, Huo Jinchi subconsciously glanced at the crowd, but did not see that bright and eye-catching figure.
He retracted his gaze and complimented with a normal expression, "My beloved concubine is indeed beautiful today."
Huipin looked coquettish and stroked her cheek with her fingers, "As long as the emperor likes it."
Huo Jinchi did not comment and helped Huipin into the palace.
But Xu An beside him could clearly see that the emperor's mood was obviously not as good as before he came to Chunxi Palace. He knew why in his heart, and after glancing at the happy Concubine Hui, he couldn't help but lower his head a little.
While eating, Huipin looked at the red date bird's nest porridge in her bowl and couldn't help but smile. She looked up and asked Rong Xin, "Where's Yunqin?"
Hawking Chi, who was stirring the porridge with a spoon, paused slightly when he heard the sound.
"Your Highness, Yunqin went to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to get some charcoal." Rong Xin clenched her trembling fingers and continued, "It's been cold these days, and the fire has been burning brightly. She's worried that there won't be enough charcoal and that Your Highness will freeze."
"This girl." Huipin smiled softly, her heart moved, and she looked at Huo Jinchi who was drinking porridge silently beside her, and said with a smile: "Does the emperor still remember this little palace maid? It's really considerate. Look, today's porridge is different."
Huo Jinchi lifted his eyelids and looked into her eyes. His eyes were calm and he spoke slowly, "I should remember?"
Huipin subconsciously avoided his gaze, "Of course not."
Huo Jinchi withdrew his gaze, with a hint of teasing in his eyes.
She had seen it this morning, but she asked herself if she remembered it?
His fingers unconsciously rubbed the white jade bracelet hanging on his wrist. She was particularly sensitive about this, but he didn't notice it.
Yun Qin did not show up until breakfast was over and Hawking Chi left.
Not long after leaving Chunxi Palace, Xu An approached the imperial carriage and whispered, "Your Majesty, I have inquired. She went to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She seemed to be an old acquaintance of Nanny Ruan from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She received the charcoal and sent a handkerchief. After a few pleasantries, she missed the time of her return."
After listening to this, Huo Jinchi lifted a corner of the curtain and looked at Xu An with a smile on his face.
"You are really doing a better job now."
Xu An was about to laugh, but suddenly realized that the emperor's words were wrong. He looked at his expression and his heart skipped a beat. He quickly said, "I dare not."
Huo Jinchi snorted coldly and slammed the curtain.
Seeing that the emperor did not punish him, Xu An just breathed a sigh of relief, and then he heard the emperor's indifferent voice suddenly coming from behind the curtain, "I will fine you one month's salary."
"Yes." This punishment was not painful or itchy to Xu An. He just couldn't guess the emperor's thoughts.
He saw clearly that the emperor was indeed interested in the young palace maid. Could it be that he was doing this to favor Concubine Hui?
Xu An suddenly realized that although the emperor was somewhat willful, he still had to save face. Huipin was still pregnant, so he couldn't ask her for a palace maid at this time.
Since the emperor is not in a position to come forward, why don't he give Concubine Hui a hint?
Just as he had this thought, he heard the emperor's voice from behind the curtain, "Xu An, if you dare to act on your own again, it won't be as simple as fining you your monthly salary."
Xu An's scalp tightened, and he quickly said, "I dare not."
Hawking Chi, who had been resting his eyes in the imperial carriage, opened his eyes upon hearing the voice, a smile appearing on the corner of his mouth.
Huipin has a fever during pregnancy, and the charcoal fire in the palace is not burning well. Are you worried that the charcoal fire is not burning enough?
Why are you giving a handkerchief to a maid at this moment?
Oh!
Huo Jinchi sneered in his heart, the palace maid was clearly avoiding him.
He was indeed surprised that he could be attracted by beauty, but he was not so interested in having her.
Especially, she was such an unhappy palace maid.
Hawking Chi's eyes turned cold and he slowly closed his eyelids again.