Chapter One, the resentment of the fleeting spring

I grant you a bowl of safflower, merely a small punishment for a great warning, to appease the murmurs of the crowd and to quell the hatred and anger of all. Can you understand my painstaking efforts?

If Wei held it in her hand, her gaze lingered on the box for a long time, yet she did not rush to open it

"Her Highness the Crown Princess has sent someone to deliver the soup medicine?" As she slightly furrowed her delicate brows, a chill crept into her heart, yet her face remained composed and unperturbed: "Since it is sent by the Crown Princess, then bring it in."

Hui Zhu slightly nodded: "Miss Ruo Wei, this is a special gift from the Crown Princess, who has repeatedly instructed that you must take it. The Empress said that you are well-versed in the art of Qi Huang, so you will naturally understand her concerns." Hui Zhu felt a chill in her heart; it is said that the Crown Princess is magnanimous and virtuous, dignified and kind-hearted. However, unexpectedly, when faced with a situation, she could be so ruthless. Although her own sister has now become the Crown Prince's consort, Hui Zhu still couldn't help but feel some sympathy for Ruo Wei. Who could have imagined? On the night of the grand wedding yesterday, the Crown Prince did not consummate the marriage with her sister but instead secretly formed a bond with Ruo Wei. After receiving the news, Hui Zhu was worried that the Crown Princess would approach the Emperor to request that Ruo Wei be brought into the Crown Prince's residence as a secondary consort or a concubine.

At this moment, Ruowei resembled the snow lotus on Tianshan Mountain, akin to the solitary red plum amidst the pristine white snow, embodying an exquisite beauty that is both proud and ethereal, yet carries an indescribable chill that instills a sense of fear. Behind her expression, devoid of joy or sorrow, lies the concealment of her true emotions, a heart that was once pure and fragile now encased in a layer of armor, donning a black cloak to shield all her timidity and helplessness.

In her violet eyes sparkled glimmers of tears, she walked to the western wall, took down the pipa, and handed it to Ruowei.

If Wei stopped her tears, walked to the side of the carriage, untied one of the bundles, rummaged through it, found a piece of cloth, and took a red candle, removed the wick from it, wrapped the wickless red candle in the cloth, and handed it to Zhan Yang, saying: "This, please help me present it to His Highness"

Xiao Shanzi nodded repeatedly

With a slight sigh, she reached out to close the window. She looked around the room, this quiet and elegant place where she had lived for seven years, and now, she must bid farewell.

The crown princess raised her body slightly and looked at her with a gaze that seemed to ask: "Did she drink?"

Outside the palace gate, a carriage has been waiting here for quite some time

Miss! Zi Yan embraced her petite figure from behind, unable to hold back her tears any longer

The melody transforms suddenly, vibrant and melodious, penetrating the vast sky, crossing the small and tranquil pavilion, reaching far and wide

However, this is rather embarrassing for Ruowei, isn't it? Will she be able to endure it? Huizhu lifted the tray and lowered her head.

Leaning against the door and gazing out, only then do I realize that I can truly wait no longer for the person in my heart

"I drank it!" Huizhu nodded.

Zhan Yong tightly clutched a small brocade box in his hand and immediately handed it to Ruo Wei upon seeing her: "This is from the Emperor Brother for you. He said you would understand once you see it"

Hui Zhu then picked up a cushion from the nearby armchair and placed it behind the Crown Princess, before saying: "I only say, thank you, Crown Princess!"

Raindrops fell on the corridor, one by one, each drop so crystalline, as if they were the tears from her heart. The newly sprouted branches on the willow tree in the courtyard appeared hazy in the fine rain, shrouded in mist, much like her beautiful eyes, resembling the ripples of autumn. At this moment, is she sad or smiling?

Hui Zhu was in a state of panic and confusion. Could it be that she knows everything, that she is fully aware of it all?

Tears flowed down like water from a broken dam, pouring out in an instant

"Miss, please wait a moment!" Ziyan, with a voice full of sorrow, stepped forward a few paces and gently took Ruowei's hand.

At this moment, Zhu Zhanrong finally regained his composure and hurriedly shouted into the car: "Ruowei, when you arrive there, if you are missing anything or if anything is short, just send someone to find me, and I will definitely arrange everything for you. Also, if anyone bullies you, you must let me know!"

The old tricks of the palace

Ah, young lady, take care!" The steward eunuch turned around and walked back into the palace

Enough, enough, enough. A faint cold laugh followed.

As Wei gazed at the soup bowl, she suddenly took a deep breath.

Hui Zhu entered the door and, upon raising her eyes, saw Ruo Wei before her. Ruo Wei had a light application of powder on her face and was dressed in a pale green skirt. A white hibiscus was pinned at an angle in her hair, and aside from that, she wore a delicate jade hairpin adorned with seven treasures. Although she appeared somewhat haggard, she remained charming and lovely, evoking a sense of admiration for the wonders of creation.

With a graceful head and elegant brows, she smiles charmingly.

"Ziyan, come back!" Ruo Wei called coldly, for she knew that the only person Ziyan could turn to for help at this moment was him, the Crown Prince, Zhu Zhanji. However, in the current situation, he would surely be powerless; otherwise, how could he bear to watch things come to this point?

Thank you, Your Excellency!" Ruowei deeply bowed to him.

Who says that there is no genuine kindness within the palace? As long as there are no conflicts of interest, there can also be heartfelt compassion and sympathy.

However, when her jade-like fingers paused for a moment, they soon resumed, and it had already transformed into "Yangguan San Die"

"Look at what the second prince's grandson said, how could that be!" Xiang Ting leaned out, waving her hand at Zhan Yong and Xiao Shan Zi.

If Wei stands quietly in front of the window, gazing into the distance with focused attention, her expression is neither as piercing as that of the purple smoke nor as desolate as that of Xiangting.

Such a girl, in Xiangting's eyes, appears so unfamiliar; the fifteen-year-old maiden seems to have experienced the vicissitudes of life overnight. Though she has not yet fully blossomed, she has suddenly withered away too soon. Such a girl only evokes deeper sympathy.

Embracing the pipa, with jade-like fingers gently caressing, a tune of "Plum Blossom Three Variations" is played effortlessly

This morning, when you left, I was actually awake. You hurried away, intent on fighting for that so-called status for me, yet you did not see the final smile I had worked so hard to bloom for you. Because I know it is futile; true feelings are always misunderstood by the heartless. Perhaps, within this jeweled tower and jade palace, what should least exist is true affection

A headache, yet the heart seems to ache even more

If Wei shook her head slightly, the faint and distant smile remained on her lips, "Go fetch my pipa!"

Xiao Shanzi quietly slipped a bag of silver to the eunuch driving the carriage and said softly: "Master Rong, I hope you can take good care of Miss Ruowei!"

The Crown Princess furrowed her brows slightly, a bitter smile forming in her heart: "Thank me? You should hate me instead!"

Xiangting shook her head: "Xiangting only knows that the seven years spent by the young lady's side have been the most comfortable years for Xiangting. In the future, being by the young lady's side may bring hardships, but there will never be any grievances, and there will be no need to worry about this or that, so Xiangting is willing to stay by the young lady's side"

Where is the one who welcomed me into the palace? And the one who sent me out of the palace, I will forever remember in my heart

Lord Rong, with a beaming smile, said: "Go back and inform the Crown Prince that our family understands the gravity of the situation. Moreover, before leaving, Chief Steward Ma also instructed that His Majesty has conveyed that although Miss Wei has left the palace and is practicing asceticism on Qixia Mountain, her needs for food, clothing, and other necessities are not lacking. A while ago, a wet nurse was specifically sent to take care of her, so Your Highness can rest assured!"

No one can guess what she is thinking, while Zhan Yang is urging beside her: "Hurry up and open it to take a look!"

Xiangting lowered her head, not daring to look at her expression, for she could not bear it. Her voice was as weak as that of a mosquito: "The Crown Princess sent a bowl of medicinal soup via Huizhu."

Your Highness! Hui Zhu walked in from outside the hall, took a cloak from the intricately carved nanmu coat rack, and gently draped it over the Crown Princess's shoulders, saying: "The spring chill is most biting, be careful not to catch a cold"

Zhan Yong scratched his head, his expression clouded and dazed, unsure of what to do.

If Wei tightly pressed her lips together, the corners of her mouth slightly twitching, after seven years in the palace, all her dreams had turned into illusions, and now she had only exchanged them for a loyal servant. Just as she was feeling sentimental, she saw two people hurrying towards her under the blazing sun.

She widened her eyes, stood on tiptoe, and craned her neck in anticipation

If Wei took a few steps forward, quietly lifted the lid of the teacup, leaned in closer, and took a slight whiff, he would completely understand in his heart.

Seeing Huizhu's somewhat alarmed expression, Ruo smiled, her laughter hearty and uninhibited, yet there were clearly tears glistening in her eyes, resembling pear blossoms in the rain, pitifully delicate.

"Yes, Your Highness, please rest assured. My younger sister is not a petty person; she understands this principle quite well." Huizhu adjusted her cloak before quietly retreating.

Indeed, a faint smile gradually appeared on her face

If one were to lift the bowl, one would drink it all in one go

Miss! Xiang Ting stood at the door, her expression somewhat reluctant, as if she were about to speak but hesitated.

Xiangting and Ziyan, facing the deep Zhanrong, received a profound blessing, and then boarded the carriage

A trace of crimson broth still lingered at the corner of her lips, maintaining a perfect curve as she gracefully bowed to the empty bowl, saying: "If I may, I thank the Crown Princess and my sister Huizhu!"

What is this? The maid Ziyan is different from Xiangting. Although they both serve Ruowei as maids, she is a childhood companion of Ruowei, having grown up together like sisters. Upon witnessing this scene, she was immediately taken aback and ran outside.

Hui Zhu gently placed her hand on her chest and murmured: "Thank heavens, such a woman, not yet fifteen, has been sent out of the palace. If she had remained by the side of the Crown Prince, my sister Shan Xiang might not have been her match at all"

In the first play, the plum blossoms have yet to bloom, and the two children harbor no suspicions. In the second play, the plum blossoms are in full red, leaving behind many emotions amidst the jade towers and vermilion gates. In the third play, the plum blossoms have fallen, and one enjoys solitude alone. In the blink of an eye, it is once again the season of the willows; why not open the door to welcome the spring breeze

At a quarter past the hour of Chen, if one were to walk with a hint of purple smoke and the fragrance of Xiangting, holding a bundle in hand, following behind a steward eunuch, along the long corridor beneath the towering red walls, step by step, endlessly, it would only evoke deeper sorrow in the heart. Thus, in silence, with head bowed low, one would continue walking until reaching the southern corner gate of the palace

"What did you say?" The Crown Princess simply sat up.

Sister Huizhu, I forgot to congratulate you!" The delicate and charming voice of Ruowei echoed from behind, like a spell.

If I were to be slighted, would you blame me

The time for leaving the palace is getting closer and closer, yet Zhan Ji has not returned

Zhan Ji, last night you were like the bright full moon in a lonely empty courtyard, shimmering with a gentle luster, an indescribable enchanting tenderness, warming that heart which has already been shattered

I did not expect that the tenderness of last night was merely a commemoration of a past romance, not a struggle, nor a threat. However, in their eyes, it was seen as so unseemly, fearing that they might take this as an opportunity for ulterior motives

Miss

The Prince's Palace and the Princess's Sleeping Quarters

Hui Zhu, you should go and comfort Shan Xiang a bit. Just say that she was wronged last night; the Crown Prince is straightforward and was momentarily unable to adjust his thoughts, so she should be more understanding. The strength of a horse is known over a long journey, and a person's heart is revealed over time. As long as she is more magnanimous and virtuous, the Crown Prince will understand! The Crown Princess spoke in a gentle tone, carefully advising Hui Zhu. After finishing, she leaned back on the couch, seemingly fatigued, closing her eyes and falling silent.

"It is!" The voice of Xiang Ting was tinged with a sob, as she struggled to hold back her tears and hurriedly withdrew. Before long, the chief palace maid Huizhu entered slowly, holding a tray. On the tray was a blue and white porcelain soup bowl covered with a lid, which was sealed with a piece of yellow paper.

That laughter, even Hui Zhu, who has witnessed too many storms in the palace, felt a bit intimidated

Unexpectedly, after the news reached the Crown Princess, with just a few words, she struck at the core of the matter, causing the Crown Prince to return in anger. She then instructed someone to prepare this bowl of medicinal soup, thus truly putting an end to future troubles

If Wei murmured: "Purple smoke, I miss home, what about you?"

As if fleeing, I hurriedly left Jingyaxuan.

Drive! With a wave of his whip, Lord Rong's horse reared up, the wheels of the carriage clattered, and ultimately, they departed

In sight, there was a bright red jujube placed in the box, along with a small turtle

The steward eunuch arrived here, presented the waist token to the guard at the gate, and exchanged a few words with the carriage driver, Lord Rong. He then said: "Miss Wei, I have brought you here. Lord Rong will take you to Qixia Mountain. Once you arrive there, the stewardess will take care of you. I shall return now!"

After speaking, she turned and ran away, jumping onto the carriage and hiding inside the compartment, not coming out again

Musk, safflower

She immediately bowed and said, "I will return to report at once!"

There is no sorrow or melancholy, no poignant entanglement; the melody lacks a touch of elegance, yet possesses a thread of resilience. The music flowing from the interplay of pushing, pulling, chanting, and kneading is gentle and beautiful, perfectly embodying the phrase "each string conceals, each sound expresses longing," moving all who hear it.

If Wei's hand suddenly paused, the melody would come to an abrupt halt

If Wei knows, in the imperial palace, whether a concubine can conceive after being favored by the emperor primarily depends on the emperor. If the emperor says to keep the child, then it can be kept; if the emperor says not to keep it, a eunuch on duty will gently poke certain points between the concubine's thighs and around her navel, causing the dragon's essence to flow out, making conception impossible. This is just the first hurdle. Next, it depends on the empress and the favored consort. If they want you to give birth, you can safely carry the pregnancy to term; if they do not want you to give birth, there are numerous "cooling medicines" and "covert methods" in the palace to prevent it. This is just the first hurdle. Next, it depends on the empress and the favored consort. If they want you to give birth, you can safely carry the pregnancy to term; if they do not want you to give birth, there are numerous "cooling medicines" and "covert methods" in the palace to prevent it.

Will the Zhanji Foundation return

If Wei's heart was filled with countless thoughts, at this moment she could only feign calmness. She took one last look at the magnificent palace and, glancing at Xiangting, couldn't help but smile: "Sister Xiangting, you were originally someone who could stay in the palace. If you follow me, you might not have good days ahead!"

If it is slight

Hui Zhu was taken aback, gazing at her calm demeanor and spring-like bright smile. Hui Zhu suspected that she was seeing things, but when she stole another glance, she was surprised to find a hint of wickedness in Ruo Wei's eyes. Looking again at that smile, it had also turned somewhat unruly and unrestrained. Having encountered countless people in the palace, she suddenly felt a slight tremor in her body, feeling somewhat cold.

At that moment, if the differentiation was indeed somewhat dazed, could the shadow running in the forefront of the sunlight be Zhanji?

However, coming over with a wheeze was the plump figure and round smiling face of the Second Prince Zhu Zhanrong, followed closely by his close servant, the eunuch Xiao Shanzi.

The crown princess leaned against the favored concubine's couch, gently massaging her temples with her hand

After a moment of hesitation, with her fingers trembling slightly, she finally opened it

Xiangting, Ziyan, Zhanrong, and Xiaoshanzi were all stunned

The Crown Princess shook her head, saying that if there is anyone to blame, it can only be you and Zhanji for the absurdity of last night. Originally, you still had a three-part hope, but now, if this matter reaches the Emperor's ears, I fear you may not even be able to preserve your lives