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墨書 Inktalez
Since that day, the palace had been calm for a while. Although there were still whispers about the matters concerning Qinxiang Garden, no one truly knew what was going on. The weather had become increasingly hot, and in the end, the Empress Dowager suggested going to Tongzhou's Auspicious Palace to escape the heat.
Once this news spread, those below began to make preparations. Even though Mo Xiao Li was not very keen on going, she did not want to upset the Empress Dowager since it was her decision. Thus, the group set off for Tongzhou, and as soon as they arrived, the local magistrate came out to greet them.
This was the first outing in many years, so the scale was quite grand. Right from the start, officials and soldiers cleared the way, while commoners lined both sides of the road, eager to catch a glimpse of the Emperor. The streets were bustling with noise and excitement.
Typically, when the Emperor traveled, he would bring along several favored consorts. Mo Xiao Li naturally brought a few with her this time as well. She recalled how much effort the women in the palace had put in to gain the Emperor's favor just to accompany him on this summer retreat.
Before they knew it, they arrived at Auspicious Palace. Auspicious Palace had been built during the time of the Former Emperor, and every summer, the Emperor would bring his consorts here to escape the heat. However, during Mo Xiao Li's reign, she had been preoccupied with various matters and had hardly come out at all. If it weren't for the Empress Dowager's suggestion this time, she probably wouldn't have thought of coming here.
Since it was their first visit in many years, the magistrate felt quite anxious, fearing he might inadvertently offend this noble guest. Therefore, he personally oversaw all arrangements to ensure nothing went wrong.
Fortunately, nothing untoward happened, and everyone arrived safely at Auspicious Palace. Because Auspicious Palace was built by a lake and surrounded by dense forests, they immediately felt a refreshing coolness upon entering, unlike the sweltering heat outside.
As soon as they walked in, Mo Xiao Li looked around and said, "Everyone should go and tidy up." After saying that, she disregarded everyone and walked straight inside.
The others exchanged puzzled glances, but this did not last long. Magistrate Zhang Daren quickly turned to flatter the Empress Dowager and said, "Empress Dowager, after such a long journey, you should rest early. The rooms have been prepared right by Yin Lake. It’s breezy there with open corridors all around. Plus, the lotus flowers in the lake are blooming beautifully right now; you can enjoy them during your leisure time."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager nodded in satisfaction. If there was anywhere in Auspicious Palace that was most comfortable, it would be Jade Pavilion by Yin Lake. She had stayed there when she accompanied the Former Emperor years ago. According to tradition, the Empress should have resided there; however, since there was no Empress now, the Emperor arranged for the Empress Dowager to stay there instead.
As everyone walked forward, Zhang Daren introduced various features of the palace and occasionally mentioned which consorts would stay where. Just as they were approaching Jade Pavilion, the Empress Dowager suddenly turned around and surveyed her surroundings before addressing Consort Xi: "Xi Er, you are most sensitive to heat; how about staying with me this time?"
Consort Xi hurriedly stepped forward to bow and replied with a smile: "Thank you very much, Empress Dowager."
Behind her, Mu Yueqing's expression changed slightly, and then she said, "Empress Dowager, you are really very kind to Sister Consort Xi. It's making even the Consort a bit jealous. I never expected it to be like this."
As she spoke, Mu Yueqing turned to the side and asked Zhang Daren, "Zhang Daren, may I ask where This Palace will be residing in the future?"
Zhang Daren trembled slightly; he was already somewhat intimidated following the Empress Dowager. Now that he was in the spotlight, he felt even more nervous but didn't know what to do. He could only lower his head respectfully and say, "Your Highness need not worry. I have already prepared a room for you by the water, as per His Majesty's decree." He made a respectful gesture as he spoke.
Even though Mu Yueqing felt a bit displeased inside, she dared not show it and could only cover her mouth with a handkerchief and smile, saying, "Zhang Daren is overthinking it. This Palace is just a bit curious; there can't be that many matters to discuss." She then looked at the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager's expression was somewhat displeased; she snorted softly and walked ahead. Consort Xi hurriedly followed behind her and gently said, "Empress Dowager, the scenery here is truly beautiful. The Consort has never been here before; I only heard it was like a fairyland. I didn't expect it to be so lovely."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face revealed a hint of a smile as she walked forward and said, "Yes, the Former Emperor chose this place for its environment and ordered the construction of such a palace. However, after His Majesty ascended the throne, he has been busy with state affairs and hasn't had the chance to come out for a stroll. I never expected to see this place in my lifetime."
The two chatted and laughed as they walked forward until they soon arrived at the Jade Pavilion. The Empress Dowager walked straight in, and the palace maids and eunuchs had long been waiting there. Upon seeing the Empress Dowager enter, they quickly knelt down to pay their respects.
Seeing this, Zhang Daren continued, "Empress Dowager, you should rest early. I will take the other ladies to familiarize themselves with this place."
"Go ahead," the Empress Dowager waved her hand.
Zhang Daren bowed and left. Once outside the Jade Pavilion, Mu Yueqing's expression turned gloomy as she looked at Qian Zhao Yi beside her and said, "Sister Zhao Yi, I really didn't expect that we sisters would live together in the future. We truly don't have Consort Xi's good fortune."
Qian Zhao Yi felt bolder without the Emperor around and smirked sarcastically as she replied, "Sister Guifei is quite amusing. If you don't have Consort Xi's good fortune, then all the women in the harem would have no reason to show their faces. Not to mention anything else; General Mu wouldn't just stand by and watch his daughter suffer in this harem. Don't you think so?" She leaned closer to Mu Yueqing as she spoke.
Mu Yueqing certainly understood the implication behind her words but didn't want to argue since it was indeed a fact. She simply smiled and then turned to Zhang Daren beside her and asked, "By the way, do you know where His Majesty resides? Is it far from This Palace?"
Zhang Daren reached up to wipe the sweat from his forehead, then lowered his head respectfully and said, "In response to Your Highness, the Emperor is residing in Wan Yue Pavilion, which is not very far from here. There is just a lake in between. If you wish to find the Emperor, it won't be a hassle. I have already thought of this for you."
Mu Yueqing smiled and said, "Zhang Daren truly has a keen eye; this Palace rewards generously." As she spoke, she glanced at the nearby Personal Maid, who understood and stepped forward to hand several banknotes to Zhang Daren.
Qian Zhao Yi stood by with a smile, watching this scene. Zhang Daren then bent down and respectfully said, "I cannot accept this gift; please do not make it difficult for me, Consort Guifei."
Having received no favorable response, Mu Yueqing turned away in anger. The maid had no choice but to take back the banknotes handed over by Zhang Daren and then hurried after her...
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