Chapter 2, Gathering Fragrance Under the Bright Moon
Li Qiutang really knows how to pose difficult questions to people
His smile is so arrogant, yet after the laughter, there is clearly confusion and helplessness in his eyes
"Your Highness, Lord Li said that he has obtained the osmanthus duck from Nanjing and requests Your Highness to come over..." Before the words of Yue Nu could finish, Concubine Deng had already rushed into the arms of Han Wang Zhu Gao Xu, sobbing, "Your Highness, this Li Qiutang is being too unreasonable. You just rested here for a night, and early in the morning, he sends someone to stir up trouble, all for a mere duck, this..."
"Pah!" Before Yue Nu could finish speaking, Su Xue became anxious and pointed at Yue Nu, scolding, "What kind of master raises what kind of servant? What good can the girls from Yanhua Alley teach? How dare you order us sisters around? The prince just spent a night in our lady's chamber, and you all hurried over to look for him. Truly shameless."
It is indeed a dilemma
Your Highness!" Concubine Deng exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly with anger and grievance. She redirected her pent-up resentment towards Yue Nu, seizing the incense burner beside her and hurling it fiercely at Yue Nu.
With a slight raise of her willow-like eyebrows, the delicate black mole above the left eyebrow corner added to her enchanting charm.
Su Xue's words were harsh enough that even Yue Nu, no matter how composed, seemed unable to withstand them
She murmured, her voice very low, but he could hear it
"Yue Nu no longer dreams, Yue Nu only wishes to stay in the royal residence, to remain in the Lan Yue Pavilion, serving Lady Li and serving the prince." After saying this, she raised her face, her delicate and fair features still bearing the visible marks of past slaps, swollen and somewhat deformed, the blood-stained scratches naturally left by those women.
Oh! This is truly taking advantage of someone's kindness. "Deng Fei said fiercely, her gaze sharp as an arrow: 'In the past, I did not concern myself with how you caused trouble in the West Fude Hall. However, today, you absolutely should not come into my courtyard to stir up trouble! I, Deng Qiaoyun, am not a soft persimmon; you should have inquired clearly before you came.'
Your Highness. Yue Nu has followed Master Li's instructions and has important matters to report to the Prince! Please, Your Highness, grant me a moment of your convenience. Yue Nu bows again to Concubine Deng.
Inside the Xifu Hall, the side consort Li Qiutang, dressed in a pale pink gauze shirt, sat before a carved and gilded dressing table. Behind her stood two maidservants, holding a piece of snow-white satin for her. Li Qiutang's hair, resembling mist, cascaded over it, creating a strikingly enchanting contrast of black and white.
This is the legendary "wealth-bringing mole"
Greetings, Your Excellency. This servant is from the West Fortune Hall, and I have received Master Li's orders to report an urgent matter to the Prince in the rear courtyard. I was supposed to come in first to pay my respects and bow to the Princess, but I am unsure if it is a convenient time for her. I shall bow here.
Deng Fei is nearly thirty years younger than Han Wang, being in her prime at eighteen, resembling a freshly shelled water chestnut. At this moment, she is pursing her lips, smiling gently while glancing at herself with a sidelong look
She suddenly stood up and said, "Go, go invite the prince over."
Shandong Le'an Han Wangfu
Haha! Zhu Gaoxu laughed heartily, "He is now in Nanjing. I originally planned to send you to him right away, but since you never wanted to, then forget it!"
Yue Nu charged straight in, having already offended one person. If she did not convey the message to the Han Wang, returning to the Xi Fu Hall to await her fate would not be much better than staying here
As soon as I entered, I saw the eunuch on duty in the princess's chamber
Alright! What is all the noise about?" The sound echoed through the hall as Zhu Gaoxu, dressed in a long robe, slowly emerged from the inner chamber, while walking, he took the jade crown from the eunuch behind him and placed it atop his hair.
"Get lost, or I'll twist you!" Su Xue glanced at the courtyard and signaled to the coarse eunuch sweeping the yard, who immediately swung the large broom towards Yue Nu's head.
This is also the time when the two individuals spend their days together in the most tranquil manner
"My lord, Master Li has something to report." Yue Nu knelt down on both knees, bowing to the ground
"Stop, you stop right there!" Lady Deng exclaimed in astonishment and anger
The residence of Concubine Deng, Yifang Garden, is located right behind the Wangfei Longfu Palace, specifically, it is an annexed courtyard of Longfu Palace. If one were to enter through the main gate, it would surely disturb those inside the Wangfei's palace. It is certainly unreasonable to pass through without entering. However, as a mere messenger servant, what right do I have to see the Wangfei
You ... ... '' The concubine Deng's appearance changed drastically, and she fell to the ground. The little girl, whose face was swollen and covered in scratches, was speaking, but what was she saying? She found it somewhat difficult to understand.
Just as I was considering choosing another hairpin or floral ornament to add a touch of decoration, unexpectedly, Li Qiutang became somewhat impatient
Thinking to myself, I quickened my pace. Just as I entered the main hall, I was fiercely grabbed by Concubine Deng. This time, Concubine Deng did not care at all about her status or image. She first delivered a slap, and then immediately pulled out the gold hairpin from her head and stabbed it fiercely at Yue Nu.
Today, however, carries a sense of unexpectedness
However, if one were to quietly enter through the back corner gate without passing through the Longfu Hall, and then walk along the corridor to enter through the small door by the west wall, it is likely that the princess would also not approve if she were to find out
It is precisely for this reason that she became the only concubine who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Li Qiutang
"What are you doing here?" Zhu Gaoxu's gaze fell on the Moon Slave, dark and uncertain.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, Master Li has an important matter to report!" Given the circumstances, there is no possibility of a compromise, so Yue Nu simply shouted out.
This time, the Moon Maiden floated gracefully like a butterfly, merely shifting her body slightly before following the Han Wang out. However, just as she was about to leave, she uttered a phrase: "What the Empress said is indeed wise counsel; even when beating a dog, one must consider its master. Yet, apart from the Han Wang, who else in this residence can be considered a master? They are all just dogs."
Before the eunuch could inquire, Yue Nu immediately seized the initiative, delivering a speech in full. After finishing, she respectfully bowed three times towards the princess's sleeping quarters. With a sweet smile directed at the eunuch, she then gracefully walked away.
Zhu Gaoxu first glanced at Concubine Deng, then stepped forward a few paces and lifted the chin of Yue Nu with his hand. Upon seeing her swollen cheeks, he already understood in his heart, "What words do you have? Speak!"
Originally somewhat unattractive, yet at this moment reflected in the sea of flowers, it is surprisingly captivating
Yue Nu respectfully greets Her Highness, Empress Deng
In a situation that had long been anticipated, the Moon Slave steeled her heart, simply cradling her head to shield her face, squatting on the ground, neither shouting nor making a fuss, allowing the broom to strike her body again and again.
Yue Nu's body trembled slightly as she exerted herself to control her emotions
Starting from scratch! This phrase perfectly reflects the current life of Yue Nu. No matter what she does on a daily basis, Li Qiutang can always find a way to criticize her and take the opportunity to teach her a lesson. It is only at this moment that she has no grounds for complaint
What are you two sisters doing?" Yue Nu moved swiftly, but still got splashed on the hem of her clothes. As she took out a handkerchief to wipe it, she deliberately asked.
It is still early, and the prince is likely still in bed with Concubine Deng. To go and deliver a message asking the prince to come over at this time would be akin to bringing trouble upon oneself
Oh? Zhu Gaoxu laughed, "Shouldn't I teach you how to be a woman? Only then can I send you to his side."
Little hoof, you are truly courting death. You have dared to bully me! Today, let us see if you still have a life to live
Upon uttering this sentence, Su Xue and Rui Xue stepped forward, one restraining the arm of Yue Nu, rendering her unable to move, while the other swung her hand vigorously, delivering a series of over a dozen resounding slaps to Yue Nu's face, causing what was originally a beautiful visage to swell and redden instantly
"Are you still dreaming now?" Zhu Gaoxu asked, holding onto the slender waist of Yue Nu and leaning close to her ear.
He seemed to be captivated by this battered and humiliated maid, a trace of tenderness surged within him, his throat felt a bit itchy, as if something was blocking it, wanting to say something, yet ultimately fell silent
Now, she leans against the door like a young girl, quietly observing the Moon Slave, her expression filled with disdain and contempt
"Alright, alright, it's early in the morning, what is this all about? Even when beating a dog, one must consider its master." A clear and melodious voice suddenly rang out, and the heavy blows that struck her body ceased in response. Yue Nu looked up and saw that it was indeed the elegant Concubine Deng, standing by the door, dressed in a rose-red jacket, a light pink nine-panel skirt, and draped in brocade silk.
Master Li treats the Moon Servant exceptionally well. She teaches the Moon Servant how to serve.
"Alright, I have said that when dealing with a dog, one must consider its owner. You may leave. If there is truly an urgent matter, let Li Qiutang come himself!" Lady Deng said in a low voice, coldly staring at Yue Nu
"What we do is none of your business, and there's no need to tell you. Yet, it is quite strange how you suddenly came here to us?" Rui Xue glared with wide eyes, looking fierce, and pointed at Yue Nu's nose as she asked.
It is precisely for this reason that, although she enjoyed the special favor of the Han King, she was not subjected to jealousy or exclusion by the queen. In fact, the queen specifically arranged for her quarters to be located in the courtyard behind her own palace, providing her with additional care in terms of food and daily needs
Yue Nu naturally understood what he meant; that prince, who was like a celestial being, the current crown prince, was the dream she pursued. She lowered her head, silently staring at the path paved with two-colored pebbles beneath her feet, "Never before."
Your Highness! The Moon Slave hesitated, knowing that a new day meant new torment would begin again. The prince had stayed in the west wing behind the Longfu Palace to the east yesterday. Longfu Palace is the residence of the princess, and Princess Wei is a kind-hearted person who would not make things difficult for her. However, in the small courtyard behind Longfu Palace resides another concubine, Lady Deng.
What has Qiantang taught you? Aside from returning with new injuries every other day, I see no sign of progress at all. Zhu Gaoxu said as he walked, sounding both inquiring and as if he were talking to himself
It is this mole that has allowed the daughter of a commoner, with no background, to suddenly rise to the position of a prince's concubine
Whether it is to curry favor with the master or to ingratiate oneself, both are acts of culpability
After some consideration, I have decided to enter through the main hall, using the front entrance
To extend one's head is to face a blade, and to retract it is also to face a blade
Before the words had left her lips, she directly pushed open the door and entered, facing Empress Deng head-on
Li Qiutang's long hair, as dark as a spring, glided through the snow-white fingers of Yue Nu, being twisted into a bun. Yue Nu selected a jade hairpin from her makeup box to loosely secure the beautiful hair.
Ah, your cultivation has indeed become more refined. The smile on Lady Deng's face grew more pronounced, yet the cold glint in her eyes flickered as she stared at Yue Nu, not bothering to conceal her disdain.
In Zhu Gaoxu's gaze, a trace of barely perceptible worry and doubt flashed by, as he pushed aside Concubine Deng and stared blankly at Yue Nu. After a moment, he strode out decisively.
In her sparkling eyes shone sincerity and glimmers of tears, while a faint smile graced her lips. Her expression was so tranquil, so sweet. In that moment, Han Wang was captivated.
The maid wiped away the bloodstains at the corners of her lips with her sleeve, saying, "This servant has overstepped her bounds."
The Moon Slave, dressed in a gown of emerald green, stood quietly in the back, saying nothing, only carefully combing Li Qiutang's black hair with a fine ivory comb.
No matter how resentful Ren Li Qiutang was, secretly setting up obstacles, Concubine Deng still enjoyed enduring favor.
"Go ahead. Just say that I have osmanthus duck from Nanjing, and invite the prince to join me for breakfast." A captivating smile flickered in Li Qiutang's eyes, and the rosy hue that unexpectedly appeared on her face accentuated her already snow-white complexion, making her even more enchanting. The lotus-colored gauze dress wrapped around her exquisite figure, which was perfectly contoured, resembling the delicate pink and white peach blossoms on the branches in spring, vibrant and eye-catching. The rosy hue that unexpectedly appeared on her face accentuated her already snow-white complexion, making her even more enchanting. The lotus-colored gauze dress wrapped around her exquisite figure, which was perfectly contoured, resembling the delicate pink and white peach blossoms on the branches in spring, vibrant and eye-catching.
Bowing her head at his feet, it would make the eunuch maidens in the garden think she was polishing the prince's shoes
When Li Qiutang was happy, she would exchange a few words with her; when she was unhappy, she would turn and leave. The two had long been like fire and water.
Upon entering the Yifang Garden where Empress Deng resided, my judgment was indeed confirmed
Then, based on her current mood and attire, she styled her hair into an updo. Yue Nu is now proficient in creating hundreds of different hairstyles. Ordinary styles like the Morning Moon Bun, Flowing Cloud Bun, Flying Moon Bun, and Hundred Flowers Bun are beneath Li Qiutang's notice. She opts for trendy and rare styles, such as the Misty Hibiscus Bun, Phoenix Ascending Cloud Bun, and Morning Cloud Near Fragrance Bun, which Yue Nu had never even heard of before. However, now she can not only skillfully create these styles in a very short time, but more importantly, she can also adapt to Li Qiutang's changing moods and come up with fresh variations.
Upon leaving Yifang Garden, Han Wang seemed to deliberately involve Yue Nu in the turmoil, as he actually reached out to half embrace her, pulling and dragging her along by the waist, walking side by side.
A head of black hair extends from the roots to the tips, needing to be combed like a waterfall. Finally, the comb is inserted at the crown of the head, and with a gentle push downward, the comb naturally falls to the tips of the hair, marking the completion of the first step. Next, a specially formulated hair oil is applied to protect the hair's luster and provide lubrication, immediately filling the room with a faint fragrance of pear blossoms, which is extremely pleasant.
Yue Nu glanced at the west wing. Although the door was tightly closed, it was evident that there was already some activity inside. She had just seen the maids carrying toiletries into the room, which indicated that Prince Han and Concubine Deng had already risen. She then carefully replied, "I trouble the two elder sisters to go inside and convey that Master Li has an urgent matter to request the prince's presence."
The two maids, Ruixue and Suxue, who were by the side of Concubine Deng, emerged from the west wing carrying copper basins. Upon seeing Yuenu, disdain immediately appeared on their faces. The two exchanged a glance, and then the two basins of water were poured over Yuenu.
Yue Nu responded softly and then lowered her head to walk outside, almost counting her steps as she passed through the garden, went through the bamboo grove, and arrived at the front of the Longfu Hall. As she passed the main hall, she hesitated slightly, wondering whether she should go and pay her respects to the princess.
Yue Nu, for reasons unknown, suddenly supported herself against his leg and knelt down
This Deng is a person who is extremely jealous and domineering, and has always been at odds with Li Qiutang. Even during meals at the same table, she would often make sarcastic remarks to belittle others.