jdhmnovel Chapter 102 Reunion Chapter: A Gift (Updated)
Chapter 102 Reunion Chapter: A Gift (Updated)
The palace maid Cuizhu, who served her, stood quietly to the side, staring at Su Yingying in front of her expressionlessly, as if she didn't care about anything around her. She also ignored her mistress's words and didn't respond.
This Cui Zhu was from the Chen Prince's Mansion. Originally, the Su family wanted to provide their young lady, now Consort Su, with a close and attentive palace maid to serve her. However, the Su family's status was low, and their own servants were simply not up to the task of fulfilling such an important role. In the end, having no other choice, they had to ask the Chen Prince's Mansion for help in preparing such a service.
Seeing that she hadn't received any response after speaking for so long, Consort Su became somewhat annoyed. She suddenly raised her head, looked at Cuizhu with sharp eyes, and shouted loudly, "I'm asking you a question! Why do you dare to be so disrespectful and not even utter a sound?"
Faced with Consort Su's rebuke, Cuizhu remained unresponsive, merely moving her lips slightly before speaking slowly in her usual cold and emotionless tone: "Reporting to Consort Su, in my humble opinion, the congratulatory gift sent by Consort Zhuang is indeed commensurate with your current rank." After speaking, she returned to her previous icy demeanor.
Hearing Cuizhu's reply, Consort Su's anger not only did not subside, but instead grew even stronger. But before she could lash out again, Cuizhu continued, "Consort, instead of getting caught up in these material things, you should think carefully about how to win the Emperor's heart, strive to gain his favor as soon as possible, and successfully conceive a royal heir to continue the royal line. That is the real matter."
Cuizhu held Su Ying in utter contempt, finding her petty and narrow-minded from head to toe. She couldn't understand the Prince's thinking; why would he send such a woman into the palace? In truth, she was a hundred times better than Su Ying!
At this moment, Cuizhu looked at Consort Su in front of her expressionlessly and spoke again: "According to past practice, His Majesty will most likely favor you tonight, so please make all the necessary preparations in advance." After saying that, she slightly raised her chin, and a hint of contempt flashed in her eyes.
The next morning, the sun hung high in the sky, casting countless golden rays that illuminated the entire world with brightness and warmth. At the same time, a festival of special significance—the Reunion Festival—was approaching with light steps.
At this moment, the Cuiwei Palace was filled with an atmosphere of busyness and joy. Palace maids moved about, their steps hurried yet orderly as they carried out various tasks.
"Moon Lady, Red Lotus, quickly dress the two young princes up to look festive. Today is the Reunion Festival, we must make it lively and joyous!" Su Nuannuan instructed as she walked, a smile on her face.
Not far away, Li Quan was carefully hanging a large red lantern, but because the ladder was not positioned correctly, the lantern was slightly crooked. Su Nuannuan noticed this and quickly called out, "Li Quan, your lantern is crooked, move it to the left a bit." Hearing his master's call, Li Quan quickly adjusted the position to ensure the lantern was hung upright.
Su Nuannuan continued her inspection of the palace, occasionally pointing out areas for improvement. At this moment, Jinse quickly walked to her side and said with concern, "Your Majesty, you've been busy for quite some time. Why don't you go back to your room and rest for a while?" Su Nuannuan glanced at Jinse, then nodded and smiled, "Alright, you two continue your work. I'll go to my room for some tea to soothe my throat." With that, she turned and walked towards her own palace.
When Li Quan and the other palace maids saw their mistress so obediently follow their advice and return to her room to rest, they couldn't help but smile at each other and gave Jinse a thumbs up in appreciation.
Night fell slowly, like a giant black silk ribbon, obscuring the bustling world of the day. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, the palace lights began to illuminate the night.
At this moment, Xuanhua Hall was bustling with activity, as the annual Reunion Festival banquet was in full swing.
Su Nuannuan sat quietly in her assigned seat, her gaze drifting somewhat to the dancers gracefully moving in the center of the hall. Their figures were slender and elegant, their flowing sleeves creating a captivating spectacle; their graceful steps and fluid movements were a feast for the eyes. But to the distracted Su Nuannuan, it all seemed utterly uninteresting. She sighed softly, silently wondering when this palace banquet would finally end.
Time passed slowly, and the palace banquet gradually entered its middle period. Just as everyone was immersed in the pleasant atmosphere brought by the delicious food and wine, Marquis Ding'an, Su Heng, suddenly stood up from his seat and walked steadily to the center of the hall. He first respectfully bowed to the emperor on the dragon throne, and then said loudly, "Your Majesty, today I have something to present to Your Majesty, and I hope Your Majesty will accept it."
Upon hearing this, the Emperor, seated on the dragon throne, slightly raised his head, exchanged glances with the Empress Dowager and the Empress beside him, and then asked in a slow but authoritative tone, "Oh? What has my beloved minister presented? Quickly present it to me so I may take a look."
Su Heng bowed deeply to the Emperor again, and replied with a slight apology, "Your Majesty, I did not carry this item with me, but left it in the carriage outside the palace." After saying this, he bowed respectfully once more to show his respect.
Upon seeing this, the Emperor turned to look at the chief eunuch Li Desheng, who had been standing by his side serving him, and called out loudly, "Li Desheng."
Upon hearing the Emperor's summons, Li Desheng quickly stepped forward, bowed before the Emperor, and replied, "This servant is here."
"Go quickly and go with Marquis Ding'an to retrieve that item." The Emperor, sitting on his dragon throne, commanded Li Desheng, who was standing, with an air of authority despite his lack of anger.
"Your servant obeys!" Li Desheng hurriedly bowed and acknowledged the order, then carefully took small steps down the steps to stand before Marquis Ding'an, Su Heng. He bowed deeply to Su Heng with utmost respect, his movements precise and proper, displaying utmost humility. He then followed closely behind Su Heng as they went to retrieve the mysterious object.
On the surface, the Emperor appeared calm and composed, but in reality, his heart was filled with boundless curiosity and anticipation. After all, what exactly was this item about to be presented that would make the usually composed and calm Marquis of Ding'an so attentive, even to the point of offering it to him on this day of reunion? It certainly sparked much speculation.
Meanwhile, when Su Nuannuan heard that her elder brother's belongings had not been able to be brought directly into the palace, she instantly realized that the legendary Zhuge Repeating Crossbow must have been successfully developed! Thinking of this, an undisguised joy flashed involuntarily in her beautiful eyes, but this joy was fleeting, as fast as a shooting star across the night sky, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye, as if it had never existed.
Just then, the Emperor suddenly turned his gaze to Su Nuannuan, who had been sitting quietly to the side, and asked with great interest, "Consort Zhuang, do you know what Marquis Ding'an is going to present to me this time?"
Upon suddenly hearing the Emperor's question, Su Nuannuan was speechless. She thought to herself: How could a woman like me, who has lived in the inner palace for so long, know about the affairs of the court and her brother's actions outside? But despite these thoughts, she dared not be negligent and quickly rose to her feet, bowed gracefully, and replied softly, "Your Majesty, I am truly not very clear about this matter."