Chapter 4: The City of Elegance

Suddenly, his gaze came to a halt

Thus, the women erupted in a chorus of admiration and jealousy, unwilling to let her steal the spotlight. They simultaneously approached the Junhou to offer their greetings and congratulations, creating a moment of extraordinary delight.

Although she referred to them as "sisters," she playfully pouted while gently swaying her fragrant shoulders, successfully drawing the attention of everyone in the room to herself

What a pity

His lips curled slightly, and a barely perceptible hint of annoyance and sarcasm flashed across his face. Immediately, he laughed as if in delight and said: "So many beauties, they truly leave this lord dazzled, I don't even know where to place my eyes..."

She suppressed the soreness in her left hand, a wry smile of helplessness curling at the corners of her lips—this cloud brocade, though claimed to be extraordinarily precious, was merely an object akin to dust in her past eyes. Who would have thought that one day, she would be so timid and cautious, seeking perfection and completeness through embroidery to conceal flaws

Under the dim candlelight, Shu Zhen's long black hair cascades over her shoulders, and her dark eyes resemble two droplets of mercury, cold and still.

In the dim light of the candle, her silhouette resembled an exquisite ink painting, deeply etched in Zhu Wen's eyes—though her features were indistinct, it was clear that she possessed an unparalleled beauty in the world.

Thanks to the lady's favor - picture - book knowledge

A mournful and sorrowful sigh echoed in the dark night, as Shu Zhen continued to cough, sitting up straight, embroidering the dense and endless stitches.

Although the woman was amidst the bustling hall, her gaze was fixed outside the window, already lost in a reverie beyond the earthly realm. The clamorous voices of the crowd surged like waves, yet they did not diminish the ethereal and otherworldly aura surrounding her in the slightest

She squinted her eyes, recalling that day, that tragic day, that familiar sword, a long sword as white as autumn water, piercing from the wrist, precisely severing the tendons, the blood flying in a horrific manner, ... that moment of heart-wrenching pain, and finally, that disdainful and heartless expression ...

The淡青 long dress, set against the backdrop of the night, accentuates her slender figure. She leans gracefully against the jade railing, resembling a wisp of smoke, as if she might vanish into thin air at any moment. Her long, jet-black hair cascades down, gently swaying in the night breeze, ethereal and abundant, blurring the line between reality and illusion

Without waiting for a response, she said directly: "Shall I inform the steward to allow you to stay by my side?"

... ...

She sighed, gazing at the dense stitches beneath her hands. Unconsciously, she reached out with her right hand to rub her shoulder, but it froze in mid-air

The smile at the corners of her lips turned desolate, and she shook her head as if trying to dispel those blood-soaked illusions. However, the stabbing pain in her heart caused a subtle turmoil in her chest once again. She coughed softly, but could no longer suppress it; a mouthful of crimson finally slipped from the corner of her lips. In her haste, she did not have time to care for herself, but rather stumbled to move aside this invaluable brocade garment, lest it provoke further calamity

Then a chorus of sweet voices arose, and Yan Ji, relying on her favored status, playfully complained: "Your Excellency, this statement is utterly unreasonable. My sisters and I have put in great effort to adorn ourselves, yet all we receive in return is your dazzling gaze..."

Recalling the sound and appearance of Ke Ni, my heart aches once more. She extends her hand, gently touching the delicate cheek of Hong Ling, as if it could break with a touch.

Three days have passed in the blink of an eye, yet the entire palace is becoming more and more lively day by day— the Lantern Festival is the birthday of Lord Zhu Wen, and everyone in the palace is busy preparing for it

... ...

Outside the window, the ground is covered with ice and snow, and the fragrance of plum blossoms wafts gently. In contrast to the bustling scene within the palace, it appears even more tranquil, serene, and uniquely noble

Behind Yan Ji, there is a window in an inconspicuous corner, where the light is dim, yet a woman's silhouette is leaning against the window.

She weakly fell to her knees on the ground, making quite a noise, which caused Hongling, who was sleeping on the bed, to murmur and turn over, seemingly quite restless

In the humble room, a light flickers like a bean, accompanied only by the sound of melting remnants of snow dripping outside, as she spends this long, cold night.

Upon seeing this, Shu Zhen was about to quietly withdraw when Yan Ji seemed to recall something and turned back with a smile, saying: "You shall accompany me tonight."

Amidst the flickering of the candlelight, the glaring scar on the right wrist appeared particularly dark and menacing. As she tentatively moved, her five fingers still trembled slightly, yet she could not exert even the slightest bit of strength.

The wonders of life's encounters, such fluctuations of honor and disgrace, are beyond anyone's expectations

Zhu Wen had long heard that the concubines were exhausting themselves for him, so he did not expose this but merely concluded his official duties a little earlier and returned to the main hall

In the palace at night, there are not many people available. Yan Ji's arrangement is indeed a trivial matter. Moreover, the two sisters are currently mending her clothes, showing a small favor, which can also be considered a casual act of kindness.

Today, she is evidently adorned with great care, dressed in dazzling cloud-patterned brocade, which at first glance appears to shimmer with brilliance, as if a phoenix has descended to the mortal realm, complemented by the pearls in her hair, resembling the ethereal goddess of the Xiang River.

At last, on this afternoon, Yan Ji anxiously received the report that the cloud brocade had been completely embroidered and repaired

She is smiling sweetly in her sleep, probably feeling joyful and sweet after just reuniting with her sister. The pain in her heart is even more profound as she softly murmurs: "I have let you sisters down..."

Soon it was dusk, and in the expansive courtyard, the plum branches swayed gracefully, adorned with colorful satin and glass, reflecting the shimmering snow on the ground. Beneath the radiant glow of the palace lanterns in the corridor, it resembled a celestial paradise.

She coughed softly, threading the needle with her somewhat unskilled left hand. As the silver needle flew away, the smooth cloud-patterned garment shimmered with brilliance, as if flowing with endless wealth and splendor

Shu Zhen slightly bent her body, and although she appeared respectful, there was no trace of arrogance or joy on her face. She stood at the lower end, and the light from outside the window brushed over her, making her features appear even more radiant. However, the intricate and winding tattoo patterns on her skin made it difficult for one to look at her for long.

Such a scene of wealth and splendor, unparalleled in its beauty, left Zhu Wen's heart feeling disheartened. He smiled on the surface, yet his eyes unconsciously drifted towards the window.

Yan Ji thought to herself, unable to help but admire her own beautiful appearance in the mirror, smiling with a hint of self-satisfaction, and carrying a sense of superiority as she glanced at Shu Zhen, her voice becoming even softer, "Are you currently doing menial work?"

Shuzhen returned to her residence with Hongling, only to find that someone had followed the orders of Yanjizhi and moved her and her sister's quarters together. Originally a large dormitory for four people, it now only housed the two sisters.

The past is but a memory, and pondering over it now, what benefit does it bring? The most important thing at present is to take good care of this child, so that Ke Ni can rest in peace even in the afterlife

His main seat remained as usual in the center, and Lady Yuan was smiling at him, her beautiful eyes sparkling. As was her custom, she positioned her seat slightly lower on the left side, subtly and appropriately indicating her status. Below her were several other concubines.

Shu Zhen gazed at her innocent and lovely sleeping face, the coldness in his eyes gradually receding, replaced by a tranquil tenderness and an unwavering resolve

With her brows slightly furrowed in contemplation, she was pondering her words when Yan Ji, unable to conceal her charm, let out a yawn, calling someone forward to begin applying her makeup according to the occasion. Tonight is the birthday banquet of the Junhou, and with her attire in place, all her thoughts were focused on her appearance.

The maid beside her unfurled the silk robe, instantly filling the hall with a dazzling brilliance, reminiscent of the gentle calls of phoenixes and parasol trees, as well as the colorful illusions of a mirage. Yan Ji gazed at the intricate and delicate embroidery, feeling that it not only concealed any flaws but also added boundless elegance. She couldn't help but smile with delight and exclaimed, "What exquisite craftsmanship! Truly remarkable!"