Chapter 65: Stroll
After Su Jingyao watched the new concubines leave, she lay leisurely on the beauty couch.
With one hand gently supporting his head, he turned the pages of the book with the other hand, his eyes focused on the words on the page.
When Xingxing was about to wake up, someone brought her over.
Su Jingyao had a gentle smile on her lips as she held Xingxing in her arms, gently teasing her little face with her slender fingers.
Children are the cutest at this stage.
Xingxing can't speak yet. Every time you tease him, he gets so anxious that his eyes stare blankly and he makes some childish sounds like "oh oh" and "ah ah", which is very funny.
Su Jingyao couldn't help but chuckle.
After relaxing for a while, Su Jingyao prepared to start dealing with the trivial matters in the six uteruses.
Although the three palaces and one department under her charge were each equipped with corresponding female officials, Su Jingyao knew very well that interests would bring all kinds of troubles.
Although it is said that if the water is too clear, there will be no fish, she does not need Sannomiya Ichiji, who is under her management, to be extremely clean and honest.
However, all the dirt must be within her control.
Now, she has quietly promoted several female officials in the three palaces and one department to become her people. Of course, others naturally don't know which ones are hers.
What's more, among the six palaces, many people have His Majesty and the Queen Mother as their masters, and these people must not be touched lightly.
Su Jingyao also spent a lot of thought and tried her best to prevent the Queen Mother's people from noticing anything unusual when promoting her own people.
The day passed quietly in the midst of various affairs. After Su Jingyao had dinner, she thought about going out for a walk to help digest the food.
As soon as she walked out of the palace gate, Jun Zechen came towards her.
Su Jingyao raised her eyebrows slightly. Is Jun Zechen not going to summon new people today?
Then, she bowed gracefully, "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."
Jun Zechen walked quickly to her, stretched out his hand and gently helped her up, and asked in a gentle voice: "Have you had dinner?"
"Well, I just finished using it. I'm just about to go for a walk in the Yu Garden to digest my food." Su Jingyao said with a faint smile.
"I haven't eaten yet. Yaoyao, please accompany me to finish my meal. Then I will accompany Yaoyao to the Yu Garden for a walk to help digest the food. How about that?"
Su Jingyao lowered her eyes slightly, and her thick eyelashes hid the flash of disgust in her eyes.
She doesn’t want to…
She ate a little more today and just wanted to digest the food quickly.
This man is affecting the maintenance of her beauty.
Afterwards, Su Jingyao raised her head, her beautiful eyes shining brightly, and she stared at him expectantly.
"Your Majesty, why don't you go to the Peony Pavilion in the Yu Garden for dinner? Accompanied by the sunset, welcoming the bright moon, blowing the breeze, smelling the fragrance of flowers, and..."
Having said that, Su Jingyao stretched out her hands and gently held one of his big hands, her slender fingers shaking slightly.
She said coquettishly, "Your Majesty, what do you think of my concubine accompanying you?"
After hearing her words, Jun Zechen had already conceived such a beautiful picture in his mind, and he couldn't help but nod.
"Very good, let's go to the garden."
After getting Jun Zechen's affirmative answer, Su Jingyao smiled even more brilliantly and turned to give instructions to An Shun.
"An Shun, place His Majesty's meal at the Peony Pavilion."
"Yes, your majesty." An Shun responded respectfully.
Then, Jun Zechen took her hand and the two of them walked towards Yu Garden.
It was dinner time, and there were not many people in the garden at this time.
Behind them, there was a huge group of palace maids.
Now it is spring, and the flowers in the garden are blooming in all their splendor, looking beautiful and charming.
As she walked, Su Jingyao suddenly stopped and her eyes were fixed on a flower of extremely bright color.
Seeing this, Jun Zechen smiled and asked softly, "Yaoyao likes Zhudinghong?"
Su Jingyao shook her head lightly, but her expression suddenly became a little melancholy.
"Your Majesty, the Amaryllis is the most gorgeous flower I have ever seen. Its petals are layered and the color is bright and dazzling. It can immediately catch your eye at first glance."
Having said this, she paused slightly.
"This morning, the new sisters came to Zhaochun Palace to pay their respects. When I saw the beautiful lady Chu, I realized that there are such gorgeous and dazzling women in this world."
Jun Zechen frowned slightly. He knew very well how much the woman in front of him cared about his appearance.
But he absolutely did not believe that there was anyone in the world who could compare with her.
Seeing that she looked depressed, Jun Zechen quickly hugged her slender waist, his eyes full of care and tenderness.
"Yaoyao's beauty is 'unprecedented in ancient times, unprecedented in the world, with a magnificent appearance that cannot be praised enough.'"
Jun Zechen didn't want her to be depressed because of another woman and wanted her to be happy.
After that, he lowered his head, bent down and put his lips close to her ear, and continued softly, "I don't like gorgeous women."
When Su Jingyao heard this, her expression immediately became lively.
She glared at him coquettishly, with a thousand emotions flowing in her eyes.
"Your Majesty, please take back what you said. Lady Chu would be so sad if she heard it."
"I just want Yaoyao to be happy." Jun Zechen looked at her affectionately, his tone firm and gentle.
Su Jingyao suddenly smiled sweetly, her smile was like a blooming spring flower, breathtakingly beautiful.
Afterwards, Su Jingyao slightly bent her waist, leaned forward, and moved closer to the amaryllis. She put her face close to the flower, closed her eyes slightly, and gently sniffed the scent of the amaryllis.
Then she slowly turned her head, and looked at Jun Zechen with eyes as clear and lively as water, with a thousand tenderness in her eyes.
"Although Amaryllis is bright and colorful, it smells very elegant."
"So I think this flower is similar to Yaoyao." Jun Zechen replied with a doting smile on his face.
After hearing this, Su Jingyao raised the corners of her mouth slightly and smiled.
Suddenly, there was a gleam in her eyes, as if she had some new idea.
"Your Majesty, I have many embroidery patterns for my dresses, including chrysanthemums, peonies, plum blossoms, crabapples, and azaleas, but I have never had a pattern with crimson embroidery. For this banquet for the Queen Mother's birthday, I would like to use a crimson embroidery pattern for my palace dress."
As she spoke, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes full of anticipation.
"Yaoyao liked it so she asked someone to make it. Amaryllis has a bright and festive color, so it's very suitable."
Jun Zechen said with a smile, he actually didn't care much about what was embroidered on the woman's dress.
But she does pay a lot of attention to these things. Every time I see her, not only are the embroidery patterns on her dresses different, but even the styles are unique.
Each piece has some unique little thoughts, which always makes people's eyes light up and brings people a different kind of surprise.
Su Jingyao received his approval and thought Zhu Dinghong was very good. With a smile in her eyes, as if there was something meaningful in it, she continued to walk forward with Jun Zechen.
I wonder if Jun Zechen has ever heard of a poem, 'The red crown of the head is gorgeous and charming, and the graceful and elegant figure is full of quietness.'
The next sentence is 'Although it looks gorgeous and attractive, it is slightly poisonous inside, so don't underestimate it.'
The juice of amaryllis is poisonous.
Miss Chu was so arrogant and proud, and today she winked at Jun Zechen in front of him.
What would be Jun Zechen's attitude when he summoned Lady Chu?
She was actually a little curious.
Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen walked towards the Peony Pavilion. They walked and stopped, sometimes stopping to admire the beautiful scenery, and sometimes chatting and laughing.
In this way, it took almost two quarters of an hour to reach the Peony Pavilion.
Su Jingyao also felt that she had almost digested the food.
Anshun has always been very efficient in his work and has already arranged all the meals properly.
At this time, the Peony Pavilion was brightly lit, as if it were daytime. In order to drive away mosquitoes, Anshun also thoughtfully prepared incense, and the faint fragrance permeated the air.
Jun Zechen held Su Jingyao's hand, and they sat in the Peony Pavilion together.
Su Jingyao had no interest in the meals prepared by Jun Zechen, and she had already had dinner, so she sat aside obediently and stretched out her delicate hands to pick up food for Jun Zechen.
At this time, with his beauty by his side, the breeze blowing gently, and the bright moon hanging high in the sky, Jun Zechen felt extremely comfortable in his heart.
Not long after, the sound of a pipa came from afar.
Jun Zechen's brows suddenly wrinkled, his face darkened instantly, and he spoke unhappily.
"Anshun, chase away the guy playing the pipa."
An Shun was about to respond when Su Jingyao suddenly smiled and said.
"Your Majesty, I originally thought that the surroundings were too quiet, but the sound of the pipa came at the perfect time and was very suitable for the scene."
Jun Zechen heard this, turned his head to look at her, and asked softly, "Yaoyao likes it?"
Su Jingyao nodded slightly.
"In that case, Anshun, bring the person over to play for Concubine Chunshu." Jun Zechen ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty." An Shun responded quickly.
When An Shun brought the person over, Su Jingyao looked up.
The woman following behind An Shun, holding a pipa and with her head lowered, was wearing a light-colored dress and not wearing many jewelry on her head, but she gave off a faint fairy-like aura.
"Your Majesty, I, the concubine Yan Cairen, pay my respects to you, Your Majesty, and to the Consort Chun Shu."
Lady Yan held a pipa and bowed to pay her respects.
"Stand up." Jun Zechen said in a light tone.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Yan Cairen stood up, with a hint of joy in her voice that was hard to conceal.
Unexpectedly, this pipa really attracted His Majesty's attention.
"Ms. Yan's pipa music is beautiful, but why are there no palace maids serving her?"
Su Jingyao looked at her and asked softly, with a hint of curiosity on her face.
"Your Highness, I saw that the scenery of Yu Garden was very beautiful. After dinner, I wanted to play the pipa in Yu Garden to amuse myself. However, I accidentally lost my handkerchief on the way, so I asked my personal maid to look for it."
Yan Cairen explained slowly, her eyes moving slightly as she spoke, and her gaze occasionally fell on His Majesty who was lowering his head to eat.
Your Majesty is so handsome that Lady Yan couldn't stop smiling.
"An Shun, please take your seat. Since Concubine Chun Shu likes your pipa music, you can continue playing." Jun Zechen instructed in a light tone, his face as calm as water.
Yan Cairen's originally happy smile suddenly froze.
It's not His Majesty who likes her pipa, but Concubine Chun Shu?
Her eyes were somewhat complicated, and she quickly glanced at Concubine Chun Shu, who was standing beside her with a gentle smile on her face.
Then she said softly, "Yes, it is my great honor to play for Concubine Chun Shu."
After saying this, Yan Cairen sat down, gently put her hands on the pipa, and began to play.
As she played, a long and melodious sound echoed, which contrasted with the beautiful scenery around her. It was truly beautiful.
Su Jingyao looked at this talented Yan. She did not leave any special impression on her during the palace selection, but tonight it seemed that she had quite a few thoughts in mind.
She and Jun Zechen had been out for quite a while. Anyone who was well-informed in the harem knew that Jun Zechen was taking her for a walk in Yu Garden.
The other newcomers were smart enough not to disturb them, but Yan Cairen was quite brave.
But in order to climb up, everyone has every means to use.
What's more, Jun Zechen, this popular guy, appeared in the Yu Garden. If you can really get his attention, it would be a step to success.
Su Jingyao didn't think there was anything wrong with Yan Cairen's behavior.
However, if you openly snatch someone from her, you must be able to bear the risk of failure. She is not a soft persimmon that can be bullied by anyone.
Seeing that Jun Zechen had almost finished his meal, Su Jingyao said softly, "Your Majesty, it's still early today. Would you mind playing chess with me?"
Jun Zechen nodded slightly and said, "Not bad, I haven't played chess with Yaoyao for a long time. Today's atmosphere is very good."
Seeing that he agreed, Su Jingyao then told Miaoyun, "Go and get me my chessboard."
After Miaoyun brought the chessboard, Su Jingyao and Jun Zechen began to play chess leisurely. They looked very focused, as if everything around them had nothing to do with them.
Yan Cairen standing by tried hard to force a smile, but it looked extremely forced, with the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.
She felt like she had been forgotten by these two nobles and was treated as just an insignificant prostitute. No one cared about her feelings at all.
She clenched her teeth and watched Concubine Chun Shu and His Majesty playfully and coquettishly while playing chess, and His Majesty's extremely gentle look when he looked at Concubine Chun Shu.
The envy in my heart surged like a tide, and my eyes revealed desire and jealousy that were difficult to conceal.
When the beauties were selected that day, His Majesty was high and mighty, so stern and cold that people dared not look directly at him. But now in front of Concubine Chun Shu, his eyes seemed to be filled with tenderness.
Concubine Chun Shu is truly favored by His Majesty!
Yan Cairen had already played two pieces of music continuously at this point, and her fingertips and wrists began to ache slightly.
She originally came here to play the pipa to attract His Majesty's attention, not to add to the atmosphere of the relationship between His Majesty and Concubine Chun Shu.
The anger and unwillingness in Yan Cairen's heart were like a flame, rising higher and higher, burning more and more vigorously.
The music seemed to be affected by her emotions, with a hint of anger.
Su Jingyao stopped moving the chess piece in her hand, glanced at Yan Cairen with a little worry, and then quietly signaled to Jun Zechen.
It seems like he is asking, why not let Yan Cairen go back?
Jun Zechen naturally understood what she meant, but he still frowned slightly and looked coldly at Yan Cairen who was playing.
You can't even play the pipa properly, yet you come here to show off.
A gaze as cold as ice shot straight at Yan Cairen.
Yan Cairen's originally absent-minded thoughts were suddenly pulled back, and then she was frightened by the emperor's stern eyes.
In her panic, she accidentally broke the strings of the guitar.
Yan Cairen was startled and immediately knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I know I was wrong."
"Yan Cairen needs to practice the pipa more. An Shun, send someone to send Yan Cairen back."
"Since your skills are not good enough, Lady Yan will play the pipa for two hours every day from now on." Jun Zechen ordered expressionlessly.
Yan Cairen's face turned pale in an instant, his lips trembled slightly, and his voice trembled.
"Yes, Your Majesty."