Chapter 013 Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Ruan Jun was shocked by what the emperor said. She concealed it very well, and even Yu Ronghua might not have noticed the clues. However, Yan Shiyu saw through her little thoughts in just a few meetings.
Suddenly, she felt even colder and her teeth were chattering.
Yan Shiyu lowered his eyes, "Are you so scared?"
Ruan Yun took a step back suddenly, and the chill on her body dissipated. She said in a deep voice, "I dare not."
It's not that she hasn't thought about it. Yan Shiyu scanned her thin figure, his dark eyes were as dark as the night, and he could see through her clumsy plan. If he really wanted her, he could just take her away.
But she had fled in panic in Zichen Palace, and even when faced with such a good opportunity tonight, she still refused him. Maybe it was just a coincidence that she was sent to Yu by Yu Ronghua, but these few times, it was clear that the emotions she thought she had hidden well were completely exposed and revealed in front of him without reservation.
Yan Shiyu looked calm, as if nothing had happened. "In that case, do your job well."
He wanted to see how far Ruan Jun would go.
…
The emperor left silently, and no one in the palace knew that the emperor only rested for an hour after Wen Yu's sleep with him before leaving.
Luo Wan whispered in Wen Yunu's ear, and Wen Yunu immediately grabbed the quilt in her hand, "Are you telling the truth?"
Luo Wan nodded, "No mistake, I saw clearly that she was a maid from Hanyu Palace. The emperor seemed to treat her... a little differently."
Wen Yunu had never suffered such humiliation, and she had never expected that the emperor would leave her bedroom late at night to meet a palace maid.
The maid from Hanyu Palace happened to be working outside the palace on the night when she slept with the emperor. No matter what, Wen Yunu didn't believe that it was the maid's own idea. She was afraid that Yu Ronghua had already intended to offer her to the emperor, but was reluctant to act, which led to the current situation.
The tenderness in Wen Yunu's eyes was replaced by ruthlessness. She didn't want to make enemies when she entered the palace, but Yu Ronghua insisted on doing so. In that case, don't blame her.
"Find a chance to talk to that maidservant."
…
After entering the palace, the newlyweds all slept with the emperor one after another, but the most popular person in the harem was still the previously favored Concubine Shu.
Yu Ronghua paced back and forth in the palace anxiously, "I have been drinking the pregnancy-preserving medicine every day, but the emperor is not coming. What's the use of drinking it? Did you really see what the emperor said to Ruan Yun that night?"
Chen Lu responded, "What I saw was absolutely correct, but I was too far away at the time. I only vaguely saw Ruan Yun struggling to escape from the emperor's arms. Before he could say a few words, the emperor just walked away."
Yu Ronghua was full of suspicion, but her body gradually relaxed. "Could it be that Ruan Yun was too stupid and displeased the emperor?"
Chen Lu couldn't reply to Yu Ronghua's words, but Yu Ronghua frowned, "She hasn't even fulfilled my wish yet and she has already upset the emperor. Isn't it that I can't let the emperor see her again in the future, otherwise I will be implicated if I'm not careful!"
Chen Lu's eyes turned and she whispered, "Actually, I don't think so."
Yu Ronghua lowered her eyes and looked at Chen Lu. It was true that the emperor left Hanyu Palace, but he did not leave in anger. It was probably because Ruan Jun was unwilling that the emperor lost interest. If she showed that Ruan Jun was willing, the emperor would definitely come!
Chen Lu watched her master change from being depressed to being confident, and asked tentatively, "Do you want me to call Ruan Yun?"
Yu Ronghua nodded, "Go ahead, and remember to bring Tingxu in as well."
Ruan Jun knelt in front of Yu Ronghua, her black hair pierced by only a jade hairpin, her beautiful eyes revealing tension. Ruan Jun twitched the corners of her lips imperceptibly, and raised her eyes again, revealing all her weaknesses.
Yu Ronghua said in a flat voice, "Qingling has been feeling unwell recently, and the imperial physician has told her to take a good rest. After much thought, it would be most appropriate for you to serve me."
Ruan Jun tightened her sleeves and said, "Yes."
Yu Ronghua's eyes fell on Tingxu, "You two are like sisters, so you must not miss her share of the cool tea in the future, otherwise there will be conflicts between the sisters."
Ruan Yun's breathing became rapid, and her eyes briefly swept across Tingxu's face, which turned pale in an instant, "Master!"
Yu Rong Hua Rao asked with interest: "Why? Do you think the cold tea doesn't taste good?"
Ruan Yun knelt down and kowtowed, "My master is so kind that I dare not speak nonsense, but the medicine used in the cool tea is expensive, how can Tingxu use it?"
Yu Ronghua chuckled with obvious sarcasm in her tone, and turned to Tingxu and said, "You heard it, your good sister is only concerned about her own happiness."
Ting Xu was about to refute Yu Ronghua's words, but when he saw Ruan Yun's eyes, he took back what he wanted to say, "Master is right."
Yu Ronghua thought carefully, "Now Hanyu Palace is short of staff. You have all seen how often the emperor comes to Hanyu Palace. But the palace cannot be without someone on duty. In this case, Tingxu can clean the peach blossom forest alone."
Ruan Jun looked up in shock. It was extremely difficult for Taolin and the other two to sweep the floor, let alone letting Tingxu do it alone. Yu Ronghua was using her and forcing her to obey Yu Ronghua.
After leaving the inner hall, Ting Xu hurriedly comforted Ruan Yun, "Don't worry, sister, I can do it by myself. I used to be a sweeper in the West Third Office. I can do a lot of work by myself, and the housekeeper aunt praised me."
There was deep worry in Ruan Yun's beautiful eyes, and Ting Xu stopped talking.
Sister Ruan Yun knew best what kind of person she was. She was lucky to meet Sister Ruan Yun when she was transferred to the greenhouse, otherwise she would have been wrapped in a straw mat and thrown into a random grave. Saying this now, Sister Ruan Yun knew it was a comfort and would make her even more sad.
Ruan Jun's eyes flashed with determination. She held Ting Xu's hand and said, "Don't worry, this kind of life won't last long."
…
Youzhouxuan holds the lamp.
When the news spread, everyone became restless.
Concubine Shu held the teacup tightly and forced herself to remain calm. Some of the tea spilled out, but she seemed not to notice.
Liu Jin stepped forward to help Concubine Shu wipe the water stains on the back of her hand, but was stopped by Concubine Shu. "Go to Youzhouxuan and deliver some fabrics and jewelry. Then go to the small kitchen to see if there are any snacks. Send them over together."
Since she has decided to pull Wen Yunu down, she naturally cannot look too bad. Yu Ronghua is a person with a simple mind, a good family background, and a low position now. She is not stupid.
Liu Jin followed the order and walked out, exchanging a glance with Liu Yu. "Her Majesty is not in a good mood, please go in and keep her company."
Liu Yu nodded, "I understand. You can go quickly. I'm here with you, and you have your own considerations. You'll be fine once you figure it out."
Liu Jin took a deep breath and brought a little palace maid to Youzhouxuan, but the emperor had not arrived yet.
Luo Wan cordially invited the person in. The Concubine Shu was a good-looking person. If it had not been for the Concubine Shu's words that day, the young master would not have considered the following. Although the young master was only serving the emperor for the second time among the newcomers, she was already the envy of others.
Liu Jin bowed respectfully to Wen Yunu, "My lady, how are you?"
Wen Yunu said gently to Liu Jin, "Aunt, you don't have to be polite, but does the Concubine Shu want you to come here for something?"
Liu Jin smiled and placed the things in her hand in front of Wen Yunu, "The Queen has just got some good satins and jewelry, and I asked this servant to deliver them to you, thinking that they would be the best match for a pretty girl like you. Also, the small kitchen has made some new cakes today, you can have a try."
Wen Yunu was flattered and said, "How can I trouble you, Your Majesty?"
Liu Jin said hurriedly, "My young lady has not seen her family since she entered the palace. Your Majesty is also sympathetic to me. I hope you will accept it."
Wen Yunu looked at the cloth on the table, which was shimmering with light, and said, "Aunt, please thank the queen for me."
Liu Jin said: "This is natural."
After sending Liu Jin away, Wen Yunu gently stroked the fabrics and said, "Put them away. I'll choose something nice to give back to Concubine Shu tomorrow."
Unable to leave Hanyu Palace, and there was a queen of a higher position who wanted to win her over, why didn't she give it a try, even if it was just to make some good connections for herself.
Seeing that there was no one around, Wen Yunu asked in a low voice, "Did you talk to Ruan Yun?"
Luo Wan shook her head. "Yu Ronghua has transferred her to serve her personally. I can't ask for it, but Ruan Yun waits outside Fengyi Palace every day when she pays respects. Maybe I can find an opportunity, but I don't have any legitimate reason."
Wen Yunu looked at the snacks on the table, bit her lip and whispered in Luo Wan's ear, "Let's do this tomorrow."
Luo Wan agreed to Wen Yunu's words, but she was also worried, "Will Ruan Jun see through our intentions right away?"
Wen Yunu frowned slightly, "I just want her to see what stupid tricks I am playing with such a smart person."
The emperor was busy today and came after dinner. Wen Yunu placed the snacks sent by Concubine Shu on the table gently and carefully. Yan Shiyu glanced at them and said in a low voice, "Did Concubine Shu send them?"
Wen Yunu nodded, "Yes, Madam Shufei treats me very well."
Yan Shiyu patted Wen Yunu's hand, and although he didn't say a word, he was gentle enough compared to before.
Wen Yunu blushed and said to the emperor, "I set up a chess game today, but I still don't know how to solve it. I wonder if Your Majesty is interested in taking a look?"
Curiosity appeared in Yan Shiyu's eyes, "Let's take a look."
After half an hour of playing chess, Wen Yunu's hands were slightly red. She looked at the clepsydra and said in a sweet voice, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful. There is no chess game that you cannot solve."
Yan Shiyu took the pajama handed over by Wei Maoyuan and asked, "My beloved concubine, do you often play chess at home?"
Wen Yunu nodded awkwardly, "Yes, I always find something to do when I'm bored."
Yan Shiyu lowered his eyes and said, "I have a set of top-quality white jade chess pieces in my private vault. I will have someone deliver them to you tomorrow."
When Wei Maoyuan accepted the errand, he couldn't help but take a few more glances at Princess Wen. He said that Princess Wen was indeed beautiful, but there were many beauties in the harem. The emperor was not a person who coveted beauty, but Princess Wen was the best among the newcomers. In the early days, the emperor did not like the harem to be sour and jealous. Wen Yunu even put the cakes that Concubine Shu rewarded her on the table and asked the emperor to taste them. When he came back, Wen Yunu was not like this. Could it be that he had received some advice from an expert?
You Zhouxuan called for water twice tonight before he was completely calm. Yu Ronghua leaned on the couch without any sleepiness, tears quietly flowing down her face.
I touched my lower abdomen and pressed it gently. I knew that I was in good health. I had taken so many pregnancy medicines, but I was still not pregnant.
The night is long. It would be good to have a child, even if it is just a little princess. Otherwise, will anyone still remember a concubine who is infertile when she grows old and ugly?
…
The next day, Yu Ronghua paid her respects and asked for leave again.
The Queen heard Qing Ling's words, but she didn't say much, and was very pleased. "Have you asked the imperial physician to come over?"
Qing Ling said respectfully, "I have already asked for it. The imperial physician said that it was due to the excessive heat and that I just need to rest for a few more days."
The queen said gently, "Since you are sick, just take good care of yourself."
Concubine Shu said proudly, "I don't think Yu Ronghua is sick. She obviously didn't sleep well last night, so she came up with such an excuse."
The Queen ignored Concubine Shu's words and only cast her eyes on Concubine De. "Originally, we were supposed to go to the palace to escape the summer heat this year, but the Emperor postponed the selection time. There are too many things to do in the palace. I am sorry to trouble you sisters."
Concubine De leaned to one side and said, "Your Majesty, what you said is serious. All of us sisters are here for the Emperor. Besides, everyone has ice cubes in the palace. Just don't go out in the afternoon."
The Queen nodded with satisfaction. Wen Yunu wanted to speak several times, but she looked at Concubine Shu and suppressed the urge to speak.
Outside Fengyi Palace.
Seeing Ruan Yun standing properly, Luo Wan walked up to her and loosened the handkerchief in her hand, which flew to Ruan Yun's feet in a flash.
She was quite nervous, but luckily, Luo Wan only had to wait for a moment before she heard Ruan Jun speak, "Sister, your handkerchief fell off."
Luo Wan turned around quickly, and Ruan Jun was a little surprised to see that it was Luo Wan.
The masters were all from Hanyu Palace, so it was inevitable that they would meet each other, but the two masters did not get along and had never spoken to each other.
Luo Wan remembered the young lady's instructions last night, "It's hot today, why are you wearing such thick clothes?"
Although the clothes for palace maids are limited, the Ministry of Eunuchs will also rush to make summer clothes mainly made of gauze in the summer. If the master sees it in person, there is no need to mention the material of the clothes. Although Ruan Yun is not that prominent in front of the master, why does she still wear cotton and linen?
Ruan Yun lowered her head to look at her clothes, and then laughed in surprise, saying, "I am a little afraid of the cold, so I wear this palace skirt."
Ruan Jun blocked all the words Luo Wan wanted to say. When she saw Ruan Jun's clear almond eyes and her small face with red lips, she immediately understood why Yu Ronghua would take such a big risk to keep Ruan Jun by her side.
Luo Wan was puzzled. "It's the hottest time of the year, why is my sister still afraid of the cold?"
Ruan Yun dug her fingertips into her palms, her face still gentle, "Maybe it's a weakness she was born with."
Luo Wan finally found something to say: "If you don't mind, I will accompany you to find a female doctor. It's always uncomfortable to be in a daze like this."
Ruan Yun subconsciously refused, "I've seen a lot of doctors before, and they all said that my disease can't be cured. Thank you for your kindness, sister."
Luo Wan took Ruan Yun's arm affectionately, "Don't be polite, sister. Although you and I serve different masters, I have met you a long time ago and I feel that you are very kind."
Ruan Jun smiled, "Me too."
After returning to Youzhouxuan, Luo Wan told Wen Yunu about the matter. Wen Yunu was relieved. "With her help, I won't bear grudges even if she becomes the emperor's concubine. Now there is only one thing I need to do."
…
Mid-Autumn Festival in September.
The emperor specially held a banquet, and officials of the fifth rank and above and noble families were allowed to bring their families into the palace.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs had earlier sent a set of clothes to each concubine. As usual, Yu Ronghua chose the bright purple color and asked the Ministry of Internal Affairs to tailor the clothes for her.
In the makeup mirror, Ruan Yun was waiting not far away. Yu Ronghua paused and said, "It's the Mid-Autumn family dinner. You wait outside the palace."
Ruan Yun is too eye-catching. It is a good thing that she has not appeared in the eyes of the public. She does not want people to find out that there is such a person in the palace. After all...
Yu Ronghua let Chen Lu help her tidy up her sleeves, "It just so happens that today's tea has been delivered, you should drink it in front of me."
Ruan Jun had resisted once, but the result was that Ting Xu was hungry for the whole day. In order to prevent her from bringing food to Ting Xu, Yu Ronghua even did not let her go back to the ear room. The next day, another bowl of black medicine was delivered to her.
Chen Lu placed the serving plate in front of Ruan Yun and said, "Drink it quickly."
Even though she knew what the effect would be, Ruan Jun still had no choice but to drink it in one gulp.
She stumbled out of the inner hall, walked through the long corridor, and saw Tingxu's thin and powerful figure, and tears rolled down her cheeks.
Tingxu heard the noise and hurriedly put down his work, "What's wrong, sister?"
Ruan Yun sobbed, "That medicine...is getting more and more bitter. I can clearly feel that something is wrong with my body. Tingxu, go ask Eunuch Deng to transfer you out of Hanyu Palace first."
Ting Xu wiped away her tears, without uttering a word, but her eyes became exceptionally firm.
…
September 15th.
Ruan Yun attended the Mid-Autumn Festival family dinner with Yu Ronghua. She just stood outside, with the sounds of music and laughter all around her.
She covered her arms tightly, trying to find a place where the wind wouldn't blow, but a voice suddenly rang in her ears, "Miss Ruan Yun."
"I want to go out for a walk, but I'm not very familiar with the palace. Could you please show me the way?"
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