PDLP Chapter 332 Concubine Hui
Chapter 332 Concubine Hui
Since Shen Meizhuang was still in mourning for the empress dowager, her enthronement ceremony was very simple. To make up for it, Yongzheng rewarded her with a large amount of gold, silver, jewelry, hairpins and rings, and ordered the concubines to pay homage to her.
The servants of Yonghe Palace sprang into action, sweeping the palace spotlessly clean. All the original decorative ornaments were replaced with more expensive ones, every detail reflecting the dignity of their newly elevated status. The reception room was also prepared, with tea and snacks laid out, awaiting the concubines' arrival.
(Those attending the meeting included: Consort Xi Niu Hulu Zhen Huan, Consort Jing Feng Ruozhao, Consort Duan Qi Yuebin, Consort Zhen Xu Yanran, Consort Xin Lv Yingfeng, Consort Qi Guaerjia Wenyuan, Consort Mu Mu Jingqiu, Consort Chun Fang Chunyi, and Consort Kang Yiyun.)
Shen Meizhuang was dressed in a dark green auspicious dress. The deep and restrained color did not lose the solemnity in the atmosphere of mourning. The dark patterns embroidered on the dress were delicate and exquisite, and the auspicious patterns outlined by the faint gold thread flickered slightly with her movements.
On the high flag head, a phoenix hairpin inlaid with gems and holding pearls in the middle is dazzling. The various gem hairpins and flowers dotted around it complement each other, making her face look like cream, her eyebrows like distant ink, her eyes like autumn water, her lips without makeup slightly raised, outlining a perfect arc, her posture is graceful, and her every move shows nobility and elegance.
"Concubine, please give your regards to the noble concubine."
Everyone squatted down and saluted solemnly. Because Zhen Huan was pregnant, she bent slightly while holding Huanbi's hand.
Shen Meizhuang had a gentle smile on her lips: "Sisters, there is no need to be so polite, please stand up and take a seat." Her voice was soft but revealed the composure of a superior.
"Thank you, Madam Concubine!"
After everyone was seated, Shen Meizhuang began to speak, "It's so hot, and I'm sorry to trouble you all to come all the way here. I've prepared some small gifts, which I'll send to your palaces later as a token of my appreciation. I hope you won't mind."
Everyone stood up again to express their gratitude.
Xin Baji started to chatter again: "Your Highness, what are you talking about? Your promotion to the rank of Imperial Concubine is a joyous occasion for the entire palace. I have wanted to come and congratulate you for a long time, but I knew you were pregnant with the Dragon Child and needed to rest and recuperate, so I didn't dare disturb you easily. Now, thanks to the Emperor's decree, I have this opportunity to come and congratulate you. It is truly an honor for me."
"Sister Xin is so thoughtful. Thank you, Sister Xin."
After saying this, Shen Meizhuang greeted them warmly, "This is the snack the emperor just gave me. Sisters, please try it. Don't be shy!"
Since she said so, who dared not to give her face? They all picked up the snacks beside them, took a nibble, and tried to maintain a polite smile on their faces.
Shen Meizhuang finally breathed a sigh of relief. This snack was really unpalatable, but after all, it was a gift from the emperor and she couldn't give it to a servant. Now she finally had a suitable reason to get rid of it!
Zhenpin, who was sitting below, was eating snacks while thinking to herself that Shen Meizhuang's status was rising day by day. Not only was she deeply favored by the emperor, but she was also pregnant with the dragon offspring. Her influence in the palace would only increase in the future. She had to seize the opportunity and curry favor with her.
She remembered that last time she spoke out of turn in the Imperial Garden, she was fined one month's allowance. She thought Shen Meizhuang would hold a grudge against her and make things difficult for her in other matters. Unexpectedly, Shen Meizhuang seemed to have forgotten about it and gave her all the rewards she deserved, including everything in her allowance. This made her think that Shen Meizhuang was a person who was tough on the outside but soft on the inside, and she became more determined to please her.
She glanced around at everyone quietly, and suddenly realized that Concubine Wen, who usually had the best relationship with the Imperial Concubine, was not there. Her eyes rolled, and her mind immediately became active. She instantly thought of a topic that she thought could attract Shen Meiyu's attention.
"The snacks His Majesty bestowed upon you are truly delicious. Your Majesty, the Imperial Concubine, was so generous in sharing them with the concubines. I am truly grateful."
Shen Meizhuang said with a smile: "If you like it, eat more. Caiyue, take some more for Sister Zhen to send to the palace!"
Wow, she called me sister!
Upon hearing this, Concubine Zhen was delighted at first, but then she quickly waved her hands, looking humble and respectful, saying, "I dare not. The Emperor loves and values the Imperial Concubine, so he gave me these snacks. It is a great honor for me to have a few bites here and share in the Emperor's blessing. I dare not eat or take anything at the same time!"
Shen Meizhuang was a little disappointed, but she also said, "You're too polite, sister!"
Seeing that her words had successfully opened the conversation, Concubine Zhen seemed encouraged. Her eyes rolled as she continued, "Today is the Empress's big day, so why isn't Concubine Wen here? Could it be that the Empress is not feeling well?"
Everyone present was stunned at first, and then they all turned their eyes to her. There was surprise, confusion, and anticipation in their eyes.
Everyone had of course noticed that An Lingrong, such a grown-up, didn't show up today, but they all pretended to be ignorant and no one tried to break the window paper. But Concubine Zhen happened to be so stupid as to make the matter clear.
Everyone in the palace knew that Concubine Wen and Concubine Hui had a very good relationship. They must have had their own reasons for not coming to such an important occasion. However, the Emperor had clearly issued an order for all the palace members to come and pay their respects. Wasn't Concubine Zhen's words secretly accusing Concubine Wen of disobeying the order?
Besides, it was said that An Lingrong was not feeling well.
Shen Meizhuang felt a little helpless. She had finally realized that Concubine Zhen was not a bad person, just stupid.
Seeing Concubine Hui holding her forehead with her hand, her face full of worry, Concubine Zhen felt even more certain that what she had just said had hit the nail on the head. She thought it was just Shen Meizhuang worrying about Concubine Wen's health, so she struck while the iron was hot and continued, "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry so much. I happen to have some excellent medicinal herbs in my palace, and they're extremely effective. I'll personally deliver them to Concubine Wen later, so that you can recover as soon as possible."
As she spoke, her face was full of sincerity and enthusiasm, as if she was really worried about this matter.
Shen Meizhuang interrupted her, her tone revealing a hint of impatience, but she tried hard to maintain a polite appearance: "I appreciate Concubine Zhen's kindness, but you should keep the herbs for yourself!"
Treat your stupidity!