Chapter Seven, The Elegant Breeze Enters the Palace
Then let it stay. How did Fu Luo detect the gritted teeth in the tone of Concubine Yu?
Due to her injury, Fuluo had been going without makeup in the pavilion, feeling too lazy to groom herself. Today, she made a special effort to adorn herself, shaping her eyebrows, applying powder, and putting on rouge. Indeed, she appeared much more radiant, and she felt that she was not inferior to the renowned beauty, Miss Ling from the capital. Women are always vain and love beauty, and Fuluo secretly looked down on herself for this.
I think it should be decided by Sister Fufei" Lady Yuguifei turned to Fuluo, who was lying sideways on the couch
The women who entered later also included the sisters of this concubine and that lady from the palace. Naturally, those who were close to the favored Consort Yu remained, while those who were at odds with her were sent away. This selection process was essentially a demonstration aimed at Consort Lan. Fu Luo shook her head inwardly.
At this moment, although the lotus flowers are indeed present, the lotus leaves spread out, reflecting the moonlight, and listening to the pulsations beneath the leaves, creates a unique charm. Fu Luo has never seen such a large river pond, and cannot help but imagine the scene of the lotus flowers in full bloom. From a distance, the Qianyuan Palace, the Qingtong Palace, the Yunxiang Palace, and other splendid palaces built around this Lotus Moon Pool, present such a magnificent view every day upon opening the windows, truly refreshing the mind and spirit
Imperial Concubine Yu, Imperial Concubine Lan, and Ling Yafeng were all taken aback. Since Fu Luo had said so, it was naturally impossible for Imperial Concubine Yu to retract her earlier words, while Imperial Concubine Lan and Ling Yafeng were astonished by Fu Luo's sudden change in demeanor
Put down the pen, "Understood."
"Sister, there is no need for formalities. We sisters are here today to alleviate the Emperor's worries and to share the burdens with the Empress. We are selecting suitable sisters to serve the Emperor, which truly is a labor for you, virtuous Consort." The tone of Consort Yu was unmistakably that of the Empress.
Sister, look at that rose bush, it blooms so charmingly. Such beautiful flowers will attract attention no matter where they are placed. However, I fear that if they are planted in the wrong place, they might be corrupted by those wildflowers and weeds. It would be better to keep them under our own care, so they can grow more pleasingly.
The commoner woman pays her respects to Her Highness the Noble Consort, Her Highness the Virtuous Consort, and Her Highness the Lotus Consort
Flora smiled lightly, "No need, the masters of this palace have always been fickle, and I see no reason to allow those newcomers to treat me as their target."
I humbly greet Your Highness, the Noble Consort, and the Virtuous Consort. I bow deeply, speaking with utmost respect
Thinking of this, Fu Luo couldn't help but touch her neck, feeling that it was truly wonderful to have her head still attached to her neck. Although she missed her family and the familiar twenty-first century very much, perhaps dying would allow her to travel back, but what if she couldn't return? That would be a great injustice. Dying also requires immense courage. For now, Fu Luo has not lost her sense of novelty and innocence regarding this harem, and she does not intend to seek death, so she can only try her best to learn about these ancient things.
Before her arrival, Fuluo had always thought that the Imperial Garden was merely a garden, but now it seemed like a vast landscape. With rockeries, peculiar stones, fragrant flowers, secluded paths, and the gentle sound of flowing water, she traversed the uniquely rugged and tranquil rock mountains, admired the vibrant and colorful flower gardens, and followed the flowing water while leaning against the willow leaves. Gradually, Fuluo and Biye arrived at the Lotus Moon Pool, which spanned dozens of acres in front of the Qianyuan Hall.
Lady Yu turned her head, looking at Fu Luo in surprise, "What my sister said is true." A hint of a smile lingered at the corner of her mouth
This Lady Jieyu, relying on her distant relationship with the Princess of Yu and the Noble Consort Lan, who are not closely related at all, enjoys some favor in the palace and truly looks down on everyone. Naturally, Noble Consort Yu would not allow her sister to serve the Emperor in the palace. In contrast, Noble Consort Lan appears calm, with a smiling face, suggesting that she is not particularly pleased with Lady Jieyu either
Princess, you seem to have changed into a different person, as if you were—" Biye finally mustered the courage to voice her doubts.
"Return, Your Majesty, this old servant does not know, I estimate it must be that little master in the side hall."
At the moment when Fu Luo was picking up her brush to practice calligraphy, she heard Bi Ye running in excitedly to report. "Princess, the noble consort requests your presence at Junyu Palace tomorrow"
Flora quickly turned sideways and hid behind the dense shade of the willow tree, "Biyue, let's go back." Saying this, she took Biyue's hand and tiptoed away, feeling that she would not be in that bright yellow gaze anymore, and then she ran wildly.
As she focused her mind here, she suddenly noticed a flash of bright yellow fabric not far ahead. Fuluo had become quite sensitive to this color; she always felt a deep fear of encountering that emperor. Remembering her initial arrival here, she was afraid of feeling awkward and ashamed, and also fearful of meeting the emperor's cold gaze
"Sister Fufei, it has been a long time since I last chatted with you. Would you accompany me for a walk?" As she was about to leave, Imperial Concubine Yu suddenly said to Fuluo.
Both Consort Yu and Consort Lan were secretly astonished, thinking that every time Consort Fu paid her respects, she was not only proud but also perfunctory. However, today her manners were so thorough, which seemed to indicate that she felt threatened by the newcomers. In the past, Consort Fu had never regarded Consort Lan, this 'elderly' woman, with any importance. As for Consort Yu, when she was in the Kingdom of Yuzhen, she was the legitimate daughter of the Empress, while Yu Rong was merely the daughter of a third-rank consort, and it was always she who received Consort Fu's respects. Now, in the harem of this scorching summer, Fu Luo had to pay her respects instead, which naturally made her unwilling, so she had been perfunctory each time, merely bowing slightly. In the past, Consort Fu had never regarded Consort Lan, this 'elderly' woman, with any importance. As for Consort Yu, when she was in the Kingdom of Yuzhen, she was the legitimate daughter of the Empress, while Yu Rong was merely the daughter of a third-rank consort, and it was always she who received Consort Fu's respects. Now, in the harem of this scorching summer, Fu Luo had to pay her respects instead, which naturally made her unwilling, so she had been perfunctory each time, merely bowing slightly.
It is all due to your two skilled hands
The subsequent women are rather unremarkable; those from better backgrounds have remained, while those from lesser backgrounds have naturally been eliminated. In this palace selection of consorts, it is not beauty that is chosen, but family background.
In the Imperial Garden
When I took the emerald green cloud deer head carriage to Junyu Pavilion, Consort Yu and Consort Lan had already taken their seats
It is entirely up to Her Majesty to decide
The next day, Fu Luo chose a simple yet exquisite pink open-front chiffon gown that trailed elegantly on the ground. She cinched her waist with a white belt featuring a subtle lotus pattern and draped half-sleeves of white chiffon over her arms, creating a look that was both ethereal and charming, exuding a serene elegance that caught the eye without appearing ostentatious. Her hair was styled in a phoenix crown, with nine jade hairpins shaped like phoenixes and hibiscuses inserted at one side, while the other side was adorned with nine tiny pearls. This seemingly discordant beauty instead rendered her the most beautiful, and the colorful floral adornment between her brows instantly captivated the entire visage.
Ling Yafeng's eyes flashed with sarcasm as she watched the two perform their act. She had long known that it was impossible for her to pass this final hurdle. However, even if she could not become the final candidate for the imperial consort, remaining in the palace as a maid, with her family background, beauty, and talent, the Emperor would ultimately still bow down to her pomegranate skirt.
Upon seeing the streak of rushing pink on this side, Xuan Ao asked, "Who is she?"
What will the princess wear tomorrow? It must be the most beautiful and splendid attire, to give those newly arrived ladies-in-waiting a taste of their place, making them aware of who the most esteemed master in this palace truly is, " Biye said fiercely from the side
Sister Xianfei, what do you think about whether Miss Ling should stay or leave? This is the first time Concubine Yu has sought the opinion of Xianfei Lan
Today, Fu Luo is lying on her side not by choice; it is primarily because the injury on her backside has not yet healed, and sitting down causes her pain, leaving her no option but to adopt this haughty posture. At this moment, Fu Luo realizes why the favored concubine Yu is so eager for her to participate in the selection; it is likely that she wants to pass this hot potato onto her. Yu cannot refuse outright, but she knows that Fu Luo would never allow such a beauty to enter the palace, so...
Miss Ling is a paragon of beauty and grace, exceptionally talented. It is a great honor for someone of her caliber to enter the palace as our sister. I believe we should keep her.
Imperial Concubine Yu glanced at her, then looked at the list of the backgrounds of the various palace maids presented by the eunuch, "Go."
Indeed, Your Highness, wearing jewelry like this is truly unique
In the blink of an eye, I find myself thinking of my Han Dan Pavilion, which sits solitary in a quiet corner. It seems that the Emperor does not hold me in much favor; why was I so indulged in my past actions within the palace? The abuse of private punishment in the harem is most displeasing to the Emperor, yet the former Concubine Fu frequently resorted to cruel punishments against servants and lower-ranking concubines, and the Emperor turned a blind eye to it. What a strange occurrence! I am suddenly filled with fear at the thought that if the Emperor no longer indulges me, my end may not be far off, and a wave of dread washes over me. The abuse of private punishment in the harem is most displeasing to the Emperor, yet the former Concubine Fu frequently resorted to cruel punishments against servants and lower-ranking concubines, and the Emperor turned a blind eye to it. What a strange occurrence! I am suddenly filled with fear at the thought that if the Emperor no longer indulges me, my end may not be far off, and a wave of dread washes over me. I cannot help but recall a sorrowful poem.
The Junyu Palace is precisely the place where the empresses of each generation select candidates for the emperor. A month passes in the blink of an eye for many, but for Fu Luo, this month felt like a year. Not only was the pain from the injury on her backside excruciating, but it seemed as though other parts of her body were also falling ill, with her head feeling heavy and dazed every day. It was only after more than twenty days that she began to feel some improvement, and it was then that she mustered her spirits to practice calligraphy. Although she recognized the traditional characters used here, she could not write them. She had only learned a little about brush writing in the past, and now she was determined to make up for her deficiencies, fearing that one day, when she needed to write, someone might notice her shortcomings or mock her.
Everyone will eventually grow up, only to see the new ones smile, while the old ones weep. Now the newcomers are about to arrive; if I do not grow up soon, I fear I will not even know how I died in the future
After breaking up with Yu Guifei, Fu Luo decided to take a leisurely stroll in the Imperial Garden. Since arriving at this summer palace, it seemed that she had not yet found the time to truly appreciate the beauty of the royal gardens.
Well, let's go back
"Princess, you look truly beautiful today!" The emerald-eyed one was captivated.
"Princess, why did the Emperor run away?" Biye was puzzled; if it had been the previous Fu Luo, she would have rushed over immediately.
The clear pond draws water down to the lotus roots, the spring breeze brings dew to your body. When the flowers bloom like a full moon, who remembers the one who planted the lotus.
Let them in," said Consort Yu, her voice filled with authority
Ling Yafeng had long noticed Concubine Fu, who lay lazily on the couch, exuding an extreme arrogance. As for her vulgarity, it certainly did not match her appearance; one could only wonder if her talent and temperament were the true sources of her vulgarity. However, she was aware, and the entire harem was aware, that Concubine Fu was famously in love with the Emperor and equally famous for her jealousy. In the past, any concubine who entered her side hall would invariably go in standing and come out lying down, leading the Emperor to refrain from arranging for concubines to stay with her. Yet, she knew, and the entire harem knew, that Concubine Fu was famously in love with the Emperor and equally famous for her jealousy. In the past, any concubine who entered her side hall would invariably go in standing and come out lying down, leading the Emperor to refrain from arranging for concubines to stay with her. Nevertheless, her days of being domineering in the harem were not long, and thinking of this brought a glimmer of amusement to Ling Yafeng's eyes
No, no, the servant did not see clearly either
"Your Highness is too humble; it is our duty as concubines to share the Emperor's burdens." The words of Consort Lan caused the expression of Consort Yu to darken immediately. It seems she intended to remind Consort Yu that she is merely one of the concubines in the imperial harem.
Sister, look, the imperial garden in spring is truly a riot of colors, with flowers competing for beauty; one can easily be dazzled by the sight.
Next are the daughters of the officials in the court. Leading the group is Miss Ling, the daughter of the Minister of Rites. Fu Luo saw her name, Ling Yafeng, on the name card; she is beautiful, and her name is beautiful as well. Upon seeing the graceful Miss Ling, a flicker of resentment flashed in the eyes of the favored concubine Yu, yet her expression remained smiling.
Just as the two were in a state of hidden tension, the inner court official came to report that the talented young woman was already prepared
Flora naturally knew what she was going to say
The first woman to enter, Flo, is someone I know; she is none other than the proud younger sister of the noble Lijie.
"Your Majesty? I did not see him. At that time, I was just feeling a bit playful and wanted to run around a bit," said Fu Luo, pretending to be clueless. "Did you see the Emperor just now? Why didn't you report it to me?"
Frolo had long known that this day would come; no matter how much she tried to imitate, she would never be the original her again