PDLP Chapter 395: Painting of the Ice Jade Coffin
Chapter 395: Painting of the Ice Jade Coffin
Lan Qingwu was unaware of the estrangement between Lan Shuren and his wife. She spent the entire afternoon wandering around with the Emperor Shenwu, returning to the palace only after dusk.
From that day on, Emperor Shenwu would dream of Lan Qingwu in the ice jade coffin from time to time. He couldn't help but worry that this was some kind of sign, as if foreshadowing something.
Finally one day he picked up the pen and painted the picture in his mind that had been bothering him. After he finished the painting, Emperor Shenwu was also stunned.
What he painted was Lan Qingwu in the ice jade coffin, but it was not in the underground palace of Miaoling Palace, but under the big peach tree in the small peach garden on the border thousands of miles away.
Emperor Shenwu looked at Lan Qingwu under the lush and colorful peach branches. His hands had already stopped and he just stared blankly at the painting he had completed with his own hands.
After a moment, Emperor Shenwu personally put the painting away and instructed Li Xiang, "Keep this painting safe and don't let anyone see it!"
Although Li Xiang was surprised, he did not say much. He lowered his head and walked away with the painting in his hands.
Then Emperor Shenwu stood up and said, "Let's go to Cining Palace!"
Emperor Shenwu had not been to the Cining Palace for a few days. When he heard from the palace maid that Princess Mingzhu had returned to the palace that day to pay her respects to Empress Dowager Li, he went to take a look.
However, the atmosphere in the Cining Palace was not so good. When Princess Mingzhu arrived, several high-ranking concubines including Concubine Jiang, Concubine Wan, and Concubine Liang were present. Apparently, several palace concubines had heard the news and knew that Princess Mingzhu would return to the palace that day, so they all gathered here and prepared some gifts for Mingzhu.
Imperial Concubine Jiang spoke first: "These are some things I prepared for the princess. They are all for daily use. Once the baby in Princess Mingzhu's belly is born, they will be available."
Concubine Liang saw some bellybands, baby clothes, accessories and the like, and smiled, "Sister Jiang Guifei is really attentive. Look at the craftsmanship of these little clothes. They are so lifelike, and that little gold locket is so exquisite."
All the concubines praised him and gave away the gifts they had prepared.
Empress Dowager Li felt a little relieved and nodded slightly: "Mingzhu's relationship with her mother is not good, it's hard for you to still take it to heart."
Imperial Concubine Jiang's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly responded, "Don't you have the Empress Dowager as your backing? I and the others can only do our bit."
Before Empress Dowager Li could speak, a eunuch announced, "The Empress has arrived!"
All the concubines stood up. Princess Mingzhu paused her hand that was stroking her belly, and then she slowly stood up.
She watched the noble and bright Lan Qingwu walk in step by step, and saw the gleam swaying in Lan Qingwu's eyes, and her fingers couldn't help but tighten.
Lan Qingwu first bowed to Empress Dowager Li and said, "May your Majesty be well!"
Then he said, "Everyone stand up!"
After everyone was seated, Lan Qingwu said, "I see that Queen Mother is very lively here. I wonder what they are talking about!"
Concubine Liang glanced at Princess Mingzhu and said, "It means that the baby in Princess Mingzhu's belly will be born in a few months. I and others have prepared some things for the princess."
Lan Qingwu nodded and looked at Empress Dowager Li: "Mother, speaking of this matter, your daughter-in-law has also prepared some things. Come here!"
The Empress's private storehouse was certainly different from that of ordinary concubines. Dozens of palace maids filed in, each holding a tray filled with all kinds of jewelry, medicinal herbs, and fabrics.
Lan Qingwu continued, "I have also ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to prepare some palace maids and experienced maids. Princess Mingzhu can bring them back to the Princess Palace for training today."
Empress Dowager Li was very satisfied. She turned her head and found that Princess Mingzhu had a slightly gloomy expression and looked unhappy.
Just as Empress Dowager Li frowned, she heard Princess Mingzhu say, "Your Majesty has prepared everything. You are truly worthy of being the Empress who has been favored by our father for so many years. Even the Empress Dowager doesn't have some of these things!"
Imperial Concubine Jiang sensed something was amiss and quickly interrupted, "It's all thanks to the Empress's thoughtfulness. Giving birth is a big deal, and those preparing for it need to be prepared in advance!"
Princess Mingzhu said bluntly, "Don't worry, Queen. My mother is someone else, and she left me plenty of things. Besides, I wouldn't dare accept anything from someone whose origins are unknown!"
All the concubines in the palace held their breath and kept quiet, not daring to make a sound. Concubine Liang could no longer bear it and asked directly, "Princess, what are you talking about? Why do you need the Empress to do this?"
Although Empress Dowager Li was surprised by Princess Mingzhu's attack, she couldn't open her mouth to rebuke her. After all, Princess Mingzhu had been without a biological mother since she was a child, and Empress Dowager Li had always been particularly partial to her. At this moment, she had to speak up to defend Princess Mingzhu: "Princess Liang..."
Lan Qingwu interrupted Empress Dowager Li and said, "Princess Liang, there is no need to say more."
Lan Qingwu turned directly to Princess Mingzhu and said, "I think you have misunderstood. Most of these things are your father's ideas, and these people are also prepared by your father out of his concern for the princess. But it seems that Princess Mingzhu does not appreciate it!"
Princess Mingzhu's face froze. Empress Dowager Li opened her mouth, not knowing what to say, but Lan Qingwu didn't give them a chance to speak. "The gifts have been delivered, and I'm leaving. By the way, I and your father are one and the same. We will never be separated, no matter what happens. You're so rude to me, but I'll let you off for His Majesty's sake! It's not that you're right. I hope you won't let your father and the Empress Dowager down!"
Lan Qingwu's words were truly heavy. She bowed and walked directly out of the palace. However, Empress Dowager Li, who had been immersed in the harem for decades, felt that something was wrong. If Emperor Shenwu's fatherly love for Princess Mingzhu was exhausted, what status would Princess Mingzhu have in her husband's family? It might even affect the future of the Grand Consort, which would be fatal for Princess Mingzhu.
Empress Dowager Li hurriedly called Lan Qingwu to make amends: "Please wait a moment, Queen!"
Concubine Liang also stood up along with Lan Qingwu. She just couldn't stand Princess Mingzhu's behavior. She used to think that the eldest princess was dignified and polite, but now she relied on her deceased mother and looked down on everyone. She didn't even think about who was in charge now, and what benefits would it bring to herself to be with her favored mother!
She wants endless wealth and glory, but she also acts aloof, as if everyone owes her something!