Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 220 On 'Beauty'

Qu Cairen grew up in the capital and had heard about this matter.

She nodded in agreement, saying, "I've heard that the third young lady of the Duke's mansion has been sickly since childhood. To cheer up her younger sister, the eldest young lady specially developed several kinds of rouge, among which Pomegranate Beauty is the most famous."

Guo Xiuyi put down her teacup, seemingly aroused, and said, "I have only been in the capital for a short time, but I have heard many rumors about the daughter of the Duke's mansion, Zhitong. It is said that she is first-rate in poetry, calligraphy, music and painting. I just regret that I will never have the chance to meet her in this life."

Consort Chun sat upright at the head of the table, casually picked up the rouge box presented by Consort Wu, stared at the bright red color, and said unhurriedly, "It is indeed a pity that the heavens are jealous of beauty."

Lady Shen recalled: "When I was young, I went to the Duke's Mansion with my mother and saw her once. The eldest daughter was beautiful, but not as beautiful as the third daughter. The third daughter only appeared once at the Princess's flower-viewing banquet, and she was praised as a 'sickly beauty'."

After Shen Meiren finished speaking, she suddenly caught a glimpse of Hua Yan beside her, and a trace of envy welled up in her heart. She also became more and more puzzled about the intentions of Marquis Lin'an and Consort Chun.

Today, Hua Yan was dressed in a light blue palace dress. Although she was not wearing any makeup and her jewelry was very ordinary, she was still captivating.

In terms of beauty, the Qing sisters, Qing Zhitong and Qing Zhifei, from the Duke's mansion, are probably unmatched by anyone.

"After so many years, my memory of the two young ladies of the Duke's mansion has become hazy. But now, looking at Consort Meng, I feel that the two of them are far less beautiful than Consort Meng."

Hua Yan was glancing at Xia'er out of the corner of her eye when she suddenly heard Shen Meiren mention her. Only one thought came to her mind—how could the Shen family be so comfortable sending her into the palace?

The Second Miss's sharp tongue when she was still young could be described as impulsive, but Shen Meiren's bluntness only makes her seem foolish.

Consort Chun and Consort Guo both showed surprised expressions. Although young ladies often chatted and made conversations in a jumbled mess, Consort Shen's words were really too irrelevant and inappropriate.

Consort Guo lifted the handkerchief in her hand to cover her lips. Today is Consort Chun's wedding day, and Consort Shen has offended two people with just one sentence. How wonderful.

Consort Qu and Consort Shen lived in the Qianying Pavilion. Since entering the Prince's Mansion, she had followed her father's teachings and tried her best to get along with the concubines in the harem, never offending anyone. At this moment, she couldn't help but quietly move outward.

"If we're talking about 'beauty'?"

Hua Yan spoke slowly, word by word, and only after everyone's curiosity had been fully piqued did she softly laugh and say, "After entering the palace, Consort Shen truly lived up to her title, which shows that the Emperor's promotion of her to the rank of 'Beauty' was not without reason."

Consort Chun's lips curled up slightly. Ruizhu served her from the side, silently thinking to herself, "When it comes to the ability to curse, Hua Yan is number one."

Both the Shen and Song families were military families, and the fathers and brothers of both Shen and Song had rendered meritorious service in the Northwest Army. However, their fates were quite different. Consort Song was promoted to the rank of fourth-grade Consort before even having served the emperor, while Consort Shen had already served the emperor multiple times in the Prince's residence, but after entering the palace, she was only granted the title of "Beauty"...

"you--!"

Shen Meiren was speechless, wanting to refute but appearing at a loss for words, her charmingly naive demeanor revealing a touch of cuteness.

"All right."

Consort Chun smiled and glanced at Hua Yan. After clearing her throat, she began to conclude her statement: "The national mourning period is not yet over a hundred days. Although rouge is beautiful, it is not appropriate to wear too much makeup now. If the Empress Dowager punishes you, please do not blame me for not reminding you."

Guo Xiuyi was the first to stand up and bow in response.

Shen Meiren subconsciously touched her cheek and hurriedly got up to agree.

......

In the afternoon, sunlight pierced through the carved window lattice and quietly crept into the room.

Ruizhu and Mingyue sat obediently on the embroidery stool, separating the silk threads. Huayan sat on the kang table in front of the window, embroidering a sachet while analyzing the situation with Consort Chun as usual.

"Guo Xiuyi is quite shrewd, but his foundation is shallow, so he cannot cause any trouble yet, but we must be wary of him."

Consort Shen has a certain charm; although she is the Empress's person, if used properly, she could have a surprising effect.

Qu Cairen is cautious and timid, not capable of great things. However, her father is a colleague of the eldest young master, so the Empress can help and win him over.

"Lady Wu is always opportunistic; Your Majesty need not concern yourself with her."

Consort Chun put down the chess manual in her hand and asked, "What about Consort Song?"

Hua Yan hesitated for a moment before answering, "Consort Song and the Empress both come from military families, so she will naturally side with the Empress. However, judging from that day at Guangci Temple, Consort Song is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and quite intelligent and insightful. However..."

"But what?"

"Her mind was not on vying for the emperor's favor, and she didn't care whether or not she served the emperor in bed. Therefore, the empress trusted her a lot."

There's something Hua Yan didn't say explicitly: Consort Song has someone else in her heart, and perhaps she even resists getting close to the Emperor...

As soon as Hua Yan finished speaking, Meng Zhu led Xiao Yuanzi inside to report: "The Duke entered the capital this morning, and the Emperor is currently summoning him to the Funing Palace."

Seeing that Mengzhu seemed to have something to say, Consort Chun waved for Xiao Yuanzi to leave for the time being.

Mengzhu then stepped forward and whispered, "Just now, news came from Cining Palace that the Empress Dowager has issued an imperial decree, ordering the Duchess and the Third Miss to come to Cining Palace for an audience at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow."

"What's coming is finally here." Perhaps it was because of Hua Yan's analysis that Consort Chun's tense nerves suddenly relaxed.

"Tell Donggua to make some milk tea. I suddenly feel like having something sweet."

Ruizhu responded and was about to get up to inform Donggua when she heard Consort Chun say, "Also, make some tea pastries and have Aunt Mei personally deliver them to the two empress dowagers' palaces."

"Should we send some to the Funing Palace?"

Consort Chun said calmly, "No need."

......

It was nearly evening inside the Funing Palace.

The Duke of Qing stayed for nearly two hours before leaving. Dong Ming quietly entered the hall and saw that the imperial desk was covered with memorials, which made him look puzzled.

The Emperor looked up: "What is it?"

"This servant was just delivering the autumn tribute tea to Shou Kang Palace when I saw Aunt Mei, who was beside Consort Chun, carrying a very large food box..." Dong Ming said, then dared not say any more.

Jingming's whisk trembled uncontrollably, and he seemed somewhat afraid to look the Emperor in the eye.

The pastries in Consort Chun's palace have always been unique. Since they have already been sent to the two empress dowagers, why were they left out of Funing Palace?

The Emperor: "...Prepare the carriage for the Huining Palace."