Chapter Seven, Concubine Mei

Her tone was淡淡, and the brilliance shining in her eyes made even the bright moon pale in comparison

She stepped forward and took Chen Lu's hand, entering the main hall with great joy

Wherever it may be, my aunt's wise words have truly been beneficial. In this palace, it is indeed wise to be cautious—such as... it is better to plant my aunt's flowers and herbs in a more concealed manner; what if we encounter an expert, what shall we do then

This grand and magnificent procession made its way forward and soon arrived in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony

Your Majesty... I must state in advance that this task of being a caretaker and guarding against thieves for a thousand days is not my forte. Moreover, most of these thieves have special identities, and capturing them would instead bring about divine retribution.

Qu Yun slowly released her, smiling indulgently, no longer the steady and elegant figure he usually was: "Master clearly stated that age does not matter, only the order of entry matters—by rights, I should be your senior brother. Moreover, considering our current ages, I am actually a generation older than you—who was it that called me an old man?"

The sages of the West have said: Life is like crossing a river; the same river, never twice. — Xiao Yun, am I the kind of fool who drowns repeatedly

This carriage is not grand, but it offers a warm and stable ride. On a chilly early spring morning, as the morning dew arrived at the Qianqing Palace, Yuanqi was just rising from the hall. Upon seeing her, he gave a slight nod and then boarded the Nine-Dragon Carriage

This often contentious remark has finally lightened the atmosphere

This is Mei Pin, the mistress of Changchun Palace, who is only sixteen years old. She has been pregnant with the dragon offspring of Yuan Qi for more than a month.

On the second day, as dawn broke on the horizon, the morning dew rose early, and after washing up, she donned her dignified palace attire. The royal carriage that came to greet her had arrived.

But has Shangyi arrived

Before reaching the main hall, a gentle laughter was heard

Silver hibiscus, dew flower, red silk ... although they are nestled among the famous flowers, their branches and leaves are similar. However, if they are recognized by others, the palace will inevitably be engulfed in a storm of blood and carnage

What brings you to speak of this

Only the sound of jingling ornaments can be heard, as a crowd surrounds a beautiful woman who approaches.

Little Chen, it has been twenty-six years since then. You are not very familiar with the current situation in the court and the various forces at play. Furthermore, your current abilities...

The morning dew roared, letting out a cry

The morning dew, like others, serves the emperor with just the right measure, yet her ears do not miss a single word of the court discussions

Yet, unexpectedly, the brilliant sunlight shone upon her, casting a stark whiteness that only accentuated her endless frailty and desolation

Chen Lu pondered for a moment and said, "I still need to return to the Imperial Garden. I apologize for the trouble, but may I move it in the afternoon instead?"

Ahead lies the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the two ceased their conversation. Yuanqi ascended the throne, and the ministers called out "Long live!" three times, marking the beginning of the morning court.

At this moment, someone outside the door reported that the eunuch Qin Xi, who was beside the emperor, had arrived

On the road, the palace attendants greeted Qin Xi with utmost respect, and Qin Xi, in turn, displayed no arrogance whatsoever. Observing his manner of interacting with others, one could discern that he was quite adept at knowing when to advance and when to retreat, thus confirming that he truly lived up to the emperor's expectations.

On the broad and long white marble walkway, the guards on both sides were imposing like clouds. Yuan Qi, however, gestured to Chen Lu with his eyes and whispered, "How have you been in the Changchun Palace?"

Perhaps due to the warm weather, Aunt He’s complexion has improved significantly

The morning dew smiled gently, rose to take leave, leaving behind only a single sentence

Qu Yun watched from the side, smiling as he teased him: "Your monkey temper is flaring up again. What decree does His Majesty have? You can hardly wait to get it done in the next moment—take this, and do keep a closer eye on that girl Chen Lu."

... ...

It is only natural for the female officials to reside in the Qianqing Palace now that they are present. Are you still afraid of unfounded speculation? You merely wish to use the dangers of the Changchun Palace to test my mettle

She wore a sky-blue silk shirt adorned with flowing clouds, which highlighted her crystalline and beautiful features. Under the sunlight, a smile revealed the innocent and genuine charm of a young child.

This was a title she had never had before, and Qu Yun was instantly stunned on the spot

"Smelly Ah Yun, you are so shameless, being so straightforward and unreserved, just like you have become my senior brother... Clearly, I am three years older than you..."

The last sentence was spoken in a very low tone, making it difficult to discern any emotion; Qu Yun could not tell whether it was praise or criticism.

In these twenty-six years, what remarkable figures have emerged in the world? I am also eager to witness them. Rest assured, with his departure, there will be no one under heaven who can deceive me into drinking the 'entangling wine'.

Even if there is more, there is no fear, with the senior brother here, no one can harm you in the slightest

Morning dew allowed him to hold her, and suddenly she burst into laughter

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he finally took his leave.

The morning dew did not glance sideways, and likewise spoke softly: "You wish to ask how the master of the palace is, don't you?"

You are indeed a fortunate child; since you have become a ceremonial official, you must exercise great caution. As for me, I should not rely on my age to assert authority, but I will offer you this piece of advice.

Qu Yun said to Chen Lu: "Do not be deceived by how quickly this little monkey gathers information; he knows I am the emperor. If it were any other palace child, he would report back in the blink of an eye"

He could no longer contain himself and held her tightly, just like in his childhood, warm and tranquil

Lady Mei had been pregnant for a month, and the people in the palace were watching over her very closely. After only a little more than half an hour, someone came to her door and spoke about the importance of going to bed early, so she had no choice but to reluctantly return to the front hall

Heaven? What a joke! I am the Son of Heaven; as long as I do not punish you, who can do anything to you

Morning Dew followed Qin Xi all the way to the front of Changchun Palace

... ...

Changchun Palace is a small and exquisite chamber, characterized by its proximity and tranquility—close to the emperor yet uniquely serene and elegant. Although it does not prominently display mountains or waters, it is indeed a place of great refinement and distinction. At this moment, it is early spring, with the sun shining brightly. The willows in the courtyard are charming, and the gentle waves ripple, accompanied by the chirping of birds on the eaves, truly refreshing the spirit.

In her past life, she had experienced much and was already accustomed to the ways of the world, paying no heed to the complex gazes around her as she bid farewell to Aunt He.

Qu Yun suddenly realized that she had spoken, and looked at Chen Lu with concern

... ...

Yuan Qi conveyed a silent, gentle smile, accompanied by a gaze of appreciation

Madam Shang, please do not take offense. There have always been no female officials in the Qianqing Palace. The Emperor fears that the Empresses may have wild thoughts and cause unnecessary disputes, which is why you are allowed to reside in the Changchun Palace. Fortunately, this place is not far from the Qianqing Palace. Every morning, you can take the palace carriage to be by the side of His Majesty.

Late at night, Mei Pin secretly came over, bringing with her a good number of candies and palace snacks. The two began to chat casually. She curiously inquired about the situation outside the palace. When Chen Lu apologetically informed her that she had not left the palace for half a year, her unwillingness was reflected in her dimmed eyes: "I really want to see Beihai... I wonder how my mother is doing..."

The morning dew entered the Imperial Garden to bid farewell to the former palace maids, and upon seeing this fortunate one chosen by the Emperor, some offered genuine blessings, some were both envious and jealous, while others fabricated numerous speculations out of thin air

After the initial flurry of greetings, Chen Lu moved into the small courtyard on the west side. As a palace attendant, she was also accompanied by a young maid, who had been assigned from the Qianqing Palace.

Morning Dew trembled slightly with anger, and after a while, she finally calmed down

I want to know that your reckless actions will not allow you to rest even in the depths of the underworld—why would you engage in such dangerous activities! What do you consider your own life to be!

Even the most exquisite beauty pales in comparison to the splendor of this moment

You ... ... how could you !

Her voice was light and confident, even carrying a teasing tone, yet Qu Yun felt a dull pain throughout his heart, his ironclad palm trembling as it sank two inches into the tabletop

Qin Xi accepted the silver note, tucked it into his bosom, and smiled as he performed a deep bow: "My lord, you always show consideration for us servants—rest assured, we brothers are well aware of the situation—indeed, you need not worry at all, for the Emperor holds Lord Shangyi in the highest regard."

Qin Xi smiled and bowed, saying: "It is the servant who has been too hasty, I hope you will not take offense, Your Excellency—if that is the case, then all is well, and the sun is also warming up a bit."

I heard that Sister Shangyi is moving in, and I am extremely happy. Thank heavens, finally someone is coming to live with me

Since I have returned, I must take revenge myself. I must make it clear, Xiao Yun, you may assist me, but you must not put yourself in danger again; otherwise, I will immediately walk away and no longer concern myself with these old grievances

Morning Dew smiled: "The emperor has a good eye for talent... he understands people better than his father did"

... ...

This is a very young eunuch, who respectfully greeted Qu Yun first and then bowed to Chen Lu: "The Emperor has arranged accommodation for you, Madam Shangyi, and sent me with a few young boys to help you move in."

On another day, I will visit my aunt again

Senior brother

Her name is Bao'er, and the reason it sounds rather ordinary is that after entering the palace, she has been residing in the Qianqing Palace, naturally lacking any refined mistresses to rename her