Two

This is ... ...

After stepping over the threshold, Shaoguang carefully examined the surroundings but could not discern any clues. Recalling what the young maid had just reported, she walked to a spot three zhang away from the screen and stood still. Then she gestured towards her. The young maid, with a serious expression, walked over and extinguished each candle on the candlestick one by one.

In such a gaze, Qingmei suddenly felt a sense of reassurance, and at the same time, a surge of ambition arose within her. She could not help but say: "I know that as long as the young lady is aware of everything in her heart, even if the sky were to fall, there would be no mistakes. Although my rank is not high at present, I am at least in charge of hundreds of palace maids. If there is any way I can be of assistance, the staff of the clothing department will follow your orders, young lady"

Master, shall I go to the Palace of Imperial Concubines once more and borrow another one by any means?

The lights are on in the hall, and the hardworking palace attendants have already endured a long night

Even in a pitch-black night, devoid of any light, it can still emit a brilliant glow, rivaling that of the sun and moon. Otherwise, it would not be called "Night-Luminous Jade."

As the time passed, she waved her hand to let the palace maids before her rise from their bows, and then said to Qingmei: "Why not come to my place for a while, have a cup of tea, and warm yourself up"

On the table were placed rosin, varnish, graphite, phosphorus powder, and other materials, as well as yellow crystal, pyroxene, mica, and so on, all of which were the gem reconstruction materials recently obtained by the little aunt from the Imperial Household Department, now neatly arranged one by one. Inside the satin red velvet case were various tools for making precious vessels: silver pliers, chisels, tweezers, boring knives, hammers, and flat files. They were sharpened to a fine point, gleaming with a silvery luster. Originally, these were equipped for the artisans who forged tools, a complete set, with a few of the chisels showing slight wear on their edges.

Shaoguang wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead and used pliers to remove the embedded beads that had been pried out. Without affecting their inherent luster, the old craftsmen had previously coated them with a thin layer of paraffin to protect the luminous discs from damage during the embedding process. Thus, when prying them out, it was necessary to separate the wax adhering to the sphere from the solid wood claws, which significantly increased the difficulty.

Little Aunt's eyes widened, and her hand holding the jade token trembled slightly, her surprise evident. However, Shaoguang chose not to say more, giving her shoulder a pat before stepping out the door first—she also needed to gather all the necessary tools. The embedded beads could no longer be used and had to be replaced with another type, but removing them was quite troublesome. Time was limited, and it was essential to act quickly.

It is time to leave the palace

Indeed, that embedded pearl has lost its luster

However, on the side of the accessory room, the three sets of exceptionally luxurious accessories originally crafted for coordination were all rejected by Cheng Haitang. In the end, a simple and elegant set of hairpins and floral ornaments was hastily made using plain silver and engraving techniques, which was instead accepted with satisfaction. The designs were then sent to the treasure room as a reference for the precious items.

What happened

In the first two banquets, many maids and servants from the palace gathered by the banks of the Ming Lake to join in the festivities, and as a result, they were able to witness the astonishing dance of Hong Luo and her exquisitely crafted dance attire. Therefore, even before the third performance had begun, there was already a great deal of excitement circulating within the palace, all expressing an extraordinary anticipation for the upcoming showcase.

The two individuals hurriedly stepped out of the main hall, one in front of the other, turning along the embroidered corridor outside, passing through the moon gate in front of the west wing, and arriving at the room designated for displaying items. The palace maid responsible for guarding the area had already been sent elsewhere, leaving no one else in the corridor. The third room, with its door tightly closed, had its window half ajar, and the candlelight inside was still glowing

Upon hearing this, the young aunt felt perplexed. However, Shaoguang did not provide an explanation; after a pause, he solemnly instructed, "You should go to the storage room now and ask the palace servants of the Inner Court for some fluorite. Additionally, there are also varnish, rosin, and phosphorus powder..."

The palace maids and craftsmen who previously worked with the luminous inlaid walls were all seasoned veterans in the field of precious object creation. Therefore, with the combination of various techniques, even the hollow inlays were remarkably sturdy and secure. Shaoguang selected the most suitable pry bar and needle-nose pliers—both of which are the finest tools in the craft of precious object making. It was no easy task to gather these items from both the embroidery hall and the storage room, yet when faced with the precisely fitting inlay and claws, there was still a sense of being at a loss on how to proceed.

Take it and go directly to find Zhao Fuquan

Shaoguang handed the ledger in his hand to a nearby maid and instructed the palace servants to quickly brew a pot of hot tea and deliver it to the courtyard

After several days of frost and snow, the weather has turned even colder. The surface of the Ming Lake has begun to freeze, but due to the efforts of designated palace servants who were responsible for injecting warm water into it, only a thin layer of ice has formed overnight. The palace servants from the Inner Court are rowing a boat, holding long poles, and gradually breaking the ice surface, continuously adding hot water. They persist in this task solely to maintain the lake for the final banquet.

A new batch of precious artifacts has just been created in the embroidery hall. To prevent them from being corroded by the rising smoke, they dared not light the charcoal fire. Even though there are heavy curtains, they do not provide much warmth. Most of the palace maids inside are wearing thick cotton skirts and are busy working with the warm stove

Consistently possessing a demeanor of simplicity and restraint, yet the gaze is warm, imbued with sincerity and gentleness

The interior room, devoid of any light, was instantly plunged into utter darkness

After a moment, the young maid lit the candlestick again, and the flickering light illuminated the deep faces of both the master and the servant

Something is wrong, something is wrong!

Shaoguang lowered her head in contemplation and shook it in response, "This luminous jade is a tribute from the Turks, or perhaps it was passed down from Her Majesty during her lifetime. There is only this one piece in the palace, and it is inherently very precious. When I initially borrowed it from the Palace Attendant Bureau, I had to use a great deal of persuasion. Given the current situation, even if the Palace Attendant Bureau were to agree to lend it again, there is simply no second piece to replace it."

Shaoguang looked at her in astonishment, finding it hard to believe the meaning of her words for a moment

Master, something is wrong. The screen, the screen...

Time is of the essence, and recreating is already quite difficult, especially since it involves re-engraving. As the one wielding the tools, it undoubtedly requires the highest level of skill and years of experience accumulated in the art of craftsmanship. In the treasure house, not to mention the old palace maids, even those artisans would not dare to claim that they could accomplish everything solely by their own efforts. Shaoguang considers herself a competent female official, but in such a skill-demanding craft, she truly feels inadequate. Therefore, after Xiaojin retrieved the materials, she specifically instructed her to go to the female officials' residence on the lakeside of Minghu to invite someone over.

Qingmei stood up, holding her hand, and said, "Your embroidery hall is indeed quite fitting for the occasion." She covered her reddened cheeks, and the breath she exhaled was cold, yet she smiled and continued, "Outside it is a bitterly cold day, and I did not expect the inside to be no less so. Have you perhaps moved the charcoal and the bronze cauldron to the brocade hall, yet are reluctant to use them? It is indeed a bit chilly."

At such a distance, she could not even see clearly whether he was looking at her; yet she still felt that gaze directly upon her. It seemed as if he wanted to say something, but at that moment, a guard who had followed behind approached him to report something. The handsome man nodded, raised his head, and looked deeply at her once more; with just a glance, he turned and left.

Unlike ordinary gemstones, fluorite is also a stone that can emit light on its own, albeit dimly, and cannot be compared to the dazzling brilliance of a night-glow stone. Particularly, the stone is very brittle, and its surface is irregular; some pieces emit light while others do not, necessitating careful selection of those with acceptable luster. Subsequently, all selected pieces are chipped into sheets, and then meticulously bonded, polished, and refined with yellow quartz, pyroxene, mica, and others. The stone is very brittle, and its surface is irregular; some pieces emit light while others do not, necessitating careful selection of those with acceptable luster. Subsequently, all selected pieces are chipped into sheets, and then meticulously bonded, polished, and refined with yellow quartz, pyroxene, mica, and others.

Little Aunt gritted her teeth and said

Who else knows about this matter

How could this happen

The screen used for air-drying is placed on the ground near the west window. There is no side door in the room, and all the windows and doors inside have been covered with thick oil paper. Only a few scattered candlesticks are arranged around. The pure white screen core, illuminated by the candlelight, emits a soft halo. The inlaid gem at the center of the screen's frame, with its faint deep blue hue, remains just as it was when it was first brought in.

In the relatively spacious painting pavilion, there were only two people, a master and a servant, and the dim yellow light elongated their shadows. Shaoguang stood in front of the screen, gazing at the already dull pearl, her gaze lingering for a long time. The hollowed-out carving, with solid wood as its claws, entwined with vines in a circular form, embedded with a pearl that could still rotate freely within, was truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship

The area originally surrounded by candlelight also began to dim. Shaoguang gazed intently, and as the flames were gradually extinguished, a chill slowly settled in her heart.

In a fleeting glance, she couldn't help but wonder if she had seen it incorrectly

The patterns outlined on the porcelain require clarity, uniformity, and delicacy, with every detail needing to be executed flawlessly. The difficulty is considerable. Shaoguang held the base of the cup with one hand, meticulously applying brush strokes all the way down, and beads of sweat had already formed on her forehead.

At that moment, the palace maid who went to inspect the screen returned, her footsteps hurried.

The spacious corridor leads directly to the residence of Xiuwan. The courtyard, with a width of three rooms, features hanging flower gates, and the sleeping quarters are arranged simply yet elegantly: a lotus-patterned carpet covers the floor, intricately carved glass partitions are partially open, on the west side is a rattan chair entwined with sandalwood, while the east side is adorned with a fragrant wood treasure cabinet, a floor-standing silk painting screen, and a gold-embossed cosmetic case; a carved moon gate made of rosewood separates the interior from the exterior, and within the sleeping quarters are a double couch in rosewood inlaid with pearls, a cloud-patterned brocade quilt, and fragrant pillows.

She knows everything

Looking out through the half-open door, the ground in the courtyard is already covered with a thick layer of pure white snow. At this moment, the horizon displays a warm orange hue, and soft snowflakes are continuously falling from the sky, seemingly increasing in intensity. The world is enveloped in a vast expanse of white.

It was just yesterday at noon, " Xiao Jin furrowed her brow, recalling, " When this servant arrived yesterday, several palace maids were still guarding outside the door. At that time, the inlay on the screen had not yet dried. However, the candlelight in the room remained lit, so it was impossible to determine when the problem occurred.

The passage of time is clear; the initial designs and concepts have all been reported to the Huan Chun Hall. Cheng Haitang was once quite satisfied, so it was reported to the Empress Dowager of Mingguang Palace as well. Now, the Night Light Jade has become the most ordinary embedded gem. If the dance performed by Hong Luo can successfully attract the Crown Prince's attention, it may pass the test; however, if there is even the slightest mistake, all the responsibility will fall solely on the Si Bao Fang.

The palace maids of the inner court must gather at the bureau around the fifth watch. When the fifth watch strikes, the sky is still pitch dark, and the palace city remains in deep slumber. ... The broad avenue in Guangxiang is quiet, as the palace maids arrive with lanterns, facing the wide entrance, towering platforms, and majestic watchtowers ... . ... All shrouded in the stillness of the night. Whether they are female officials or ordinary palace maids, their residences are not short distances from the embroidery hall, making the journey back and forth in the wind and snow no easy task.

As soon as she turned north along the palace wall, separated by several steps of blue bricks, the figure emerging from Ningzheng Gate, clad in a striking crimson brocade robe, was undoubtedly Han Wang Yang Liang, hastily making his way towards Guangyang Gate, draped in a cloak, against the biting cold wind

Anyone who has attended a banquet will understand that while the beauty of the performers is indeed captivating, the so-called dance offerings rely more on the ingenious and exceptional methods devised by the two parties. With such exquisite examples set before them, if one cannot present something novel, relying solely on superb dance skills or extraordinary costumes, no matter how much one tries to embellish or elevate the performance, it is likely to fail to catch the prince's attention.

On the easel rests a freshly fired white porcelain square cup, surrounded by small dishes shaped like lotus leaves, filled with gold powder, silver powder, indigo, and true red... Using different brushes, the colors are evenly applied to the ice-cracked glaze of the lotus petals, each stroke requiring utmost patience and meticulousness. Delicate fingers grip the wolf hair brush, which has a slender handle, as colors are carefully dotted to create six layers of color in the core. The movements are steady and skilled. Delicate fingers grip the wolf hair brush, which has a slender handle, as colors are carefully dotted to create six layers of color in the core. The movements are steady and skilled

The voice was short and anxious, deliberately kept very low. The young palace maid almost ran to the easel where Shaoguang was, but accidentally tripped over her embroidered shoe, and if she hadn't quickly supported the surface of the easel, she would have nearly fallen over.

"Is it just the snow satin? There is nothing else..." Qingmei asked, quite puzzled.

The process of hollow inlaying is inherently quite complex. This time, in order to avoid damaging the beads themselves while embedding them beautifully and securely into the hard wood, the Si Bao Fang almost mobilized all the senior palace maids and craftsmen stationed in the palace. Throughout the process, Yu Xizi personally took charge, pondering over it for an entire night before finally achieving a satisfactory completion.

Shaoguang skillfully articulated the materials used for inlaying, and Xiao Jin diligently took notes. However, when she heard the words "phosphor powder," she was taken aback. It was still early, and the Inner Palace Supervisory Office would not have any palace attendants on duty until the hour of Si. Not to mention that she could not enter at all right now, even if the Inner Palace Supervisory Office opened the door for her, it would still be impossible to obtain the phosphor powder.

The most important main ingredient is fluorite

The dim yellow flames flicker, wavering between brightness and darkness, while the fleeting moments of time silently bow their heads. In an instant, they still shake their heads, "Substituting the beams and changing the pillars is indeed a crime of deceiving the sovereign. The same applies to the treasure house of the officials, which cannot escape blame."

As she walked back along Guangxiang Street, she happened to see a magnificent carriage stopping in front of the Guangyang Gate, surrounded by guards dressed in simple, unadorned clothing, resembling ordinary citizens. Although the distance was not particularly close, she could still recognize that the leading figures were indeed the guards from the Fengming Palace. However, at that moment, she was carrying tools taken from the storage room, which were not light and made her somewhat burdened. Moreover, in her haste to return, she did not have the time to think much about it.

The Inner Court has always been rife with disputes, characterized by superficial politeness and both overt and covert struggles for power; it is truly rare to find mutual kindness, support, and vigilance among one another. For this reason, Cui Pei, the highest authority in the Department of Attire, once jokingly remarked to her that her initial intention in bringing her into the inner court was to incite conflict. Unexpectedly, the situation has developed to such a point that not only has it created a balance among the four factions, but it has also maintained a harmonious atmosphere, which brings her great comfort.

The Crown Prince was quite interested in this matter, and even placed a bet with Cheng Haitang: if the three consecutive banquets were to his satisfaction, not only would he generously reward the dancer, but he would also bestow substantial rewards upon all the palace servants who had been anxiously preparing for the banquet.

In such inclement weather, with such heavy snowfall now, it is uncertain where one should go. The last time, I caught a chill from venturing out of the palace to admire the snow. Although the truth of the matter is hard to discern, in such harsh conditions, it is best to remain within the palace. However, given such a disposition, so willful and unrestrained, who can possibly impose any constraints

However, surrounded by the palace maids who were busy with their tasks, it was indeed inappropriate to inquire further. Thus, without saying much more, I immediately stood up and signaled to the young maid to lead the way in front of me

At the side of the drooping flower gate, an apricot-colored gauze curtain is tied up with azure silk threads, concealing the red lacquered wooden pillars. The crystal curtains sway, casting a hazy scattering of light throughout the room

From the storage room outside Guangxiang to one's own estate, and then from the estate to the chamber in Xiutang, by the time the necessary materials and tools are prepared, it is already close to noon

She did not finish her words

His Royal Highness has never concerned himself with matters of the palace, but Consort Cheng places great importance on this bet and has high hopes for it. If her expectations are dashed, she will undoubtedly vent her anger, and at that time, multiple offenses will be punished together. Not only will Yu Xizi be implicated, but it is feared that even Cui Pei will be drawn into the matter.

Hearing the words, Shaoguang couldn't help but smile. She knew that the "green plums" referred to the recent events when the Si Bao Room had specially petitioned the Palace of the Chief Eunuch to provide a more comfortable environment for the palace maids working on the tasks for the Si Yi Room, by sending several idle bronze tripods from the storage room to the Jin Tang.

The exquisite sandalwood screen frame is adorned with a massive snow satin core, stretched taut and smooth like a mirror. From a distance, it appears simple and unadorned, not particularly remarkable among the many treasures of the palace. However, due to the star-like bead intricately inlaid in the center of the screen frame, its value is greatly enhanced, worth a fortune.

She wants

The maidservant brought in exquisite tea snacks and then drew the heavy curtains to block out the harsh cold from outside

Qingmei exhaled a breath of hot air, took a sip from the porcelain rim, and said, "Having come this far, I am grateful for the support from several places. Especially you, Miss Shao. If it weren't for the ancient texts you sent detailing the methods of patchwork with colorful brocade, it would not have been so easy to get through this. " After saying this, she raised her face and, with some concern, added, "But so far, the first act is the dance from the Music Department, the second act is the costumes from the Clothing Department, yet for the next act, I do not know how to proceed..."

Such exhaustive efforts are perhaps aimed at pleasing the consort who bears the dragon's offspring. However, the performance of the dancers not only brought significant attention to the red gauze but also established a new tale of success for the Department of Attire within the palace. Within three reigns, it is unlikely that the vast inner court and its six ministries will witness such a glorious achievement again

She could not help but sigh inwardly, yet she maintained a calm expression as she looked at the young lady and said, "This matter concerns all the female officials and palace maids of the Si Bao residence, so we must be extremely cautious. We should be mindful of everything and avoid alarming others."

The pearl was originally meant to be dazzling and resplendent

The maid brought in hot tea. Shaoguang, who had been engrossed in his painting, raised his head, waved his hand, and instructed that it be delivered to the inner chamber first. Yu Xizi had been keeping watch all night and was now taking a short rest inside.

Even the position where it was placed has not changed in the slightest, and the indentations left on the ground show no signs of alteration

Time poured her a cup of hot tea, in a plain white porcelain teacup adorned with golden lines depicting intricate patterns, simple yet precious. It showcased the meticulousness and extraordinary nature of a female official in the Si Bao Fang, where everything was exquisitely refined, understated yet luxurious.

Even if there is a need for accountability, that is a matter for the future. The key at present is to first overcome the difficult challenge of performing at the Ming Lake.

The Chiwen jade tablet is exclusively associated with the Han Wang, symbolizing the unparalleled power of the Fengming Palace. To see this tablet is akin to seeing His Highness the Han Wang

Two individuals entered the sleeping chamber, where a warm stove was burning inside.

The bead has already been damaged

In the embroidery hall, all twelve palace doors are wide open

Even if they noticed, they would not dare to admit it, let alone speak of it outside

Next, it is the turn of the Si Bao Fang

The luminous jade is no longer functional, how about using a lantern... or perhaps, charcoal?

The dark green waist plaque, intricately carved with the pattern of a Chiwen, is made of thick jade, yet feels warm and delicate to the touch. Its unparalleled luxury is evident. ... I have to use this jade pendant again ... . ... Shaoguang thought with a hint of guilt. The first time was due to the poisoned Ning Shuang, and now it is the second time, coincidentally at the critical moment of Si Baofang's life and death.

When the time returned to the embroidery hall, Qingmei had already been waiting inside with the palace maid for quite some time

As the light of youth rises, a charming smile appears, "How can one say I stood by and did nothing? The snow satin I previously requested, I know, was specially allocated by the palace when the tailor was weaving the golden feathered palace skirt. Qingmei, you have already helped me a great deal."

Since Jin Se was promoted to the head of the Department of Garments, Qing Mei's rank has also risen accordingly, now on par with Tao Zhi, becoming a sixth-rank official. However, this has also brought about more burdensome responsibilities. Although Shao Guang is no longer in the Department of Garments, she is aware of the immense effort that has been expended to weave a dance garment made of sparrow feathers and gold brocade. According to reports from the palace maids, the work in the Jin Hall was carried out tirelessly for five consecutive days and nights, with the eight female officials of the Department of Garments, nearly a hundred palace attendants, and all the serving maids working without rest. This has consumed a large amount of precious silk, silver thread, pearls, and gold powder. Dozens of looms were worn out before they could finally submit their work to the Huan Chun Hall.

The success of the banquet hosted by the Consort now rests entirely on the shoulders of the Si Bao Room. Within the palace, many are eagerly watching, waiting to see a spectacle, and some are even hoping for a mistake. However, just now in the embroidery hall, the palace maids engaged in their tasks do not seem to be as busy as those in the Si Yi Room were before.

This screen has been placed in the painting pavilion of this inner chamber to dry in the shade. Apart from a few palace guards, no one has entered here. Just now, the maid came to check if it had dried properly. Who would have thought that as soon as she moved the candlestick slightly, she found that the beads seemed to be less bright than before. The maid thought she was seeing things, so she removed the other candlesticks, yet it remained pitch dark, not a glimmer of light to be seen

However, the luminous jade, which was once a remarkable celestial object, has now become indistinguishable from an ordinary bead

In the winter morning light, the hour of the rabbit still resembles the night

No one expected that, in just two short days, the Nightlight Jade would cease to emit light

The eyelid of Shaoguang twitched, "What on earth is happening?"

In just a few days, you have indeed lost quite a bit. No matter how much work there is, you must take good care of your health.

Master, what shall we do?

Xiao Jin was momentarily dazed, and then followed in her footsteps as they walked out. The two went their separate ways, one heading east and the other west

The banquet at the Ming Lake Song Platform is set to last for three sessions. The original intention was that after the side consort Cheng Haitang became pregnant, she suddenly had a dream one night, which she cautiously regarded as a heavenly omen. Therefore, it was reported to the Mingguang Palace, requesting the newly constructed waterborne song platform and pavilions to be used for a banquet where the Crown Prince and the newly appointed Crown Princess could enjoy the dance.

As the moment approaches, the palace maids of the Si Bao Fang are methodically preparing. In the spacious embroidery hall, there is a constant atmosphere of tension and busyness. The palace maids take turns keeping watch at night, working tirelessly day and night. The screen that Huan Chun Dian instructed has been completed, taking a full four days of effort, with over a hundred palace servants working diligently, ultimately finishing within the stipulated deadline. Now, only the inlaid pearls on the screen frame remain, which have been sawed according to the design, glued with surface lacquer, and placed in a shaded inner room to dry, marking the completion of the major task. The screen that Huan Chun Dian instructed has been completed, taking a full four days of effort, with over a hundred palace servants working diligently, ultimately finishing within the stipulated deadline. Now, only the inlaid pearls on the screen frame remain, which have been sawed according to the design, glued with surface lacquer, and placed in a shaded inner room to dry, marking the completion of the major task.

She raised her head and looked at the little maid in front of her with a hint of reproach. Fortunately, what was on her was powder, not yet mixed into a paste; had it been thick indigo and true red, the jade cup that was about to be painted would have been ruined.

The winter in the palace is dry and cold, with palaces and towers standing in the biting cold wind, along with the pale marble foundations and the corridors of green stone covered in thick white snow, all appearing desolate and silent. During the coldest times, even those inside the palace, dressed in the thickest cotton skirts, find it unbearable, as if water were turning to ice. Consequently, the precious flowers and trees that remain by the shores of Ming Lake can no longer adapt to the invasion of the cold, withering away one after another. During the coldest times, even those inside the palace, dressed in the thickest cotton skirts, find it unbearable, as if water were turning to ice. Consequently, the precious flowers and trees that remain by the shores of Ming Lake can no longer adapt to the invasion of the cold, withering away one after another.

The embedded pearl above is... Little Ji is wearing a palace dress that is not particularly thick, yet due to her anxiety, her head and face are covered in sweat. "I just went to take a look, but I found that the embedded pearl on the screen has actually lost its luster!"

The maid discovered that the embedded pearls had lost their luster, suspecting that something had gone wrong, so she found an excuse to send away the palace maids who were guarding outside. If they had not noticed it before, then it was as if it had not happened; but if they had learned of it before the maid did...

When was the last time you came for an inspection

Before she could open her mouth to ask, Shaoguang took a jade pendant out of her sleeve pocket and handed it to her.

Little Aunt's tears were welling up in her eyes, and she was anxiously stamping her feet

A young woman in a moon-white satin snow fur gown with embroidered edges, her face is very youthful, her hair is styled in a high bun, revealing a full forehead and a fair complexion. She has applied a light blush, and her eyes are faintly tinged with indigo, clearly showing signs of fatigue.

Shaoguang leaned on the small hammer used for carving, shaking his head with a slight smile. For a moment, he was lost in thought, but his gaze returned to the embedded jewels—at this moment, maintaining a calm mind was of utmost importance; one must be focused and undistracted in order to create the finest objects

Little Aunt, with anxious eyes, leaned against the table, barely having time to catch her breath, and whispered in Shaoguang's ear, "There is a problem with the screen placed in the painting pavilion; please come with me to take a look!"

Thus, the palace maids of the Si Le Fang began to complain, as they had to perform in such cold weather while dressed in thin fabric. It truly was a hard task

Little Aunt always remembers when the female official from the Palace of Internal Affairs personally delivered this pearl, which was placed in a three-layer satin brocade box, wrapped in a layer of soft gauze cloth. The moment the lid of the box was lifted, even in the dimly lit room, the dazzling brilliance that emanated through the veil, resembling the twinkling of stars, was beautiful and extraordinary, leaving one in awe. Therefore, not only did Yu Xizi hold great hopes for this exquisite object, but even Cheng Haitang shared the same high expectations.

As the hand of time trembled, a small amount of golden powder fell from the tip of the pen

Pushing open the door, the painting pavilion is quiet and still

Qingmei held her hand and said earnestly, "If there is anything I can do to help, please do not hesitate, young lady. As you know, I am not very good with words, but I sincerely want to contribute in any way I can. Especially at this moment, we absolutely cannot stand by and do nothing."

Next, the finished stones will be intricately carved and embedded into the framework of the screen. Since the sample drawings and design structure were previously submitted to the Eastern Palace and Mingguang Palace, the newly created objects must match the original appearance without any discrepancies.

With two and a half days remaining until the third banquet, it is time to prepare all the necessary utensils in advance. Whenever a palace maid from the Eastern Palace comes to inquire, Yu Xizi instructs Shaoguang, and thus the female officials report back one by one, and the process proceeds smoothly and efficiently

However, there are only two days left until the banquet, and if this is delayed..." Xiao Jin pursed her lips, her eyes glistening with tears.

The screen frame is intact, and the screen core is intact

Separated by a great distance, the gazes of the two individuals unexpectedly met

It was as if, at the moment she saw him, he sensed it and turned to look in her direction as well

Those original individuals certainly cannot be used again; otherwise, as soon as they are summoned back, there will be news of errors from the Imperial Treasury. At that time, not only will there be doubts and difficulties from the Eastern Palace, but even the Palace of the Chief Eunuch may come knocking.

Shaoguang made a sound of acknowledgment, gently stroking her hand and saying: "Trust me. The final round will conclude beautifully"

What a hardship it is, as long as it is entrusted, Qingmei has never rejected or complained about the bitterness. Not even a word has been mentioned.

At this moment, it began to snow outside again

The radiant light extended its hand, covering the embedded pearl with its palm, gently caressing it. The large and smooth luminous disc is difficult to hold with one hand, and even in the coldest of seasons, it consistently maintains a warm and gentle touch

The personnel of the Department of Attire thus all hope that the painstaking efforts and preparations made previously will not be ruined in this final event. Cui Pei also specifically commanded the three departments of the Clothing Room, the Ornament Room, and the Armory to work together in assisting the Treasure Room with the preparations. For several consecutive nights, Yu Xizi has not closed her eyes, contemplating and weighing various approaches.

Then this screen has lost even more of its value

Placed in the chamber's painting pavilion is a sandalwood and purple sandalwood snow satin screen, specifically prepared for the third banquet. It is also the key element of the entire dance performance. Yu Xizi had specially sought assistance from the wardrobe department for this purpose. Both parties exerted their utmost efforts, truly pouring their heart and soul into it

The little aunt cleverly devised a plan in a moment of urgency

A full hour