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墨書 Inktalez
"Who can help us?" Zhuang Youlan concealed her inner disgust and sighed with a hint of resentment, "If Zhu Qingluan finds out, the person who helps us will also be envied by her. Won't they end up resenting us as well?"
"Hmph, resent what? As long as she comes out, I'll make sure she doesn't return!" Lin Ya clenched her fists, filled with hatred.
Zhuang Youlan glanced at her, suppressing the brilliance in her eyes, silently supporting her.
Her plan was clear: not to participate in Lin Ya's scheme. If it succeeded, it would benefit her; if it failed, Lin Ya would be the one to suffer, and it wouldn't concern her. So she remained silent, allowing Lin Ya to confidently believe that her plan could succeed.
Winter passed, and spring arrived, bringing forth a myriad of blossoms.
"An invitation?" Qing Luan looked at the red card in Sister Yun's hand, puzzled. "Who sent it?" Besides having a slight acquaintance with Yun Nishang, she didn't seem to know anyone else.
"The palace," Sister Yun flipped over the fiery red invitation and said disdainfully, "Consort De sent someone to deliver it. She wants to customize a set of jewelry for the Jade Pavilion—something unique—and has invited you to attend the Flower Banquet in the palace." This woman was no good either; being associated with Prime Minister Huang meant she had likely done many unsavory things.
"The Flower Banquet?" Qing Luan stroked her chin and after a moment of contemplation said, "Alright, reply and tell her I will attend as promised!" She wanted to see what role Consort De played in this story.
"Yes!" Sister Yun opened her mouth as if to say something but sighed and complied.
She wanted to warn her mistress that the palace was fraught with dangers, filled with predatory beasts. Even if her mistress was capable, she needed to be cautious once inside; otherwise, a single misstep could lead to disaster. However, given her mistress's stubbornness, once she believed something was right, no amount of persuasion would work. Thus, Sister Yun chose to give up on convincing her.
Palace banquets were more extravagant than those held elsewhere; this was undeniable. Only those who received invitations could enter the palace. Qing Luan maintained her low profile, wearing a light purple gown that flowed elegantly around her. Her hair was styled in a traditional fashion adorned with small pearl accessories—graceful and soft—enveloping her in a subtle elegance that rivaled any opulence.
After Qin'er’s death, only Sister Yun remained by Qing Luan's side, accompanying her into the palace this time as well.
Led by the eunuch to the banquet, Qing Luan found her designated spot and quietly observed the ladies around her, who were competing with their clothing and jewelry, as if watching a play. A faint smile graced her lips, exuding a unique charm.
"Who is she? I've never seen her before," Yunlin, the son of Consort De, looked at the group of women in front of him with some disdain. Just as he was about to leave, his gaze fell upon a figure in purple. He realized that this person had a captivating allure that drew his attention irresistibly, even without her doing anything.
"She...?" The attendant hesitated; he truly had not seen this girl before. The banquet arranged by Consort De was merely to select a suitable woman for Prince Yunlin, and all the guests were either wealthy or powerful, beyond his reach. He quickly grabbed a girl who was casting flirtatious glances and pointed at the figure in purple, asking, "Who is that over there?"
The attendant had unwittingly pointed out Lin Ya. Filled with hatred for Qing Luan as if she were a sworn enemy, Lin Ya certainly wouldn’t speak well of her. Instead, she twisted her face in disdain while pretending to be helpless and sorrowful. "Oh, her? She used to be called Chen Qingluan, the fourth daughter of Lord Chen Xiaode. She was once jilted and, unable to bear the shame, went to the countryside... Later on, I don't know what happened; like her mother, she became a Merchant's Daughter..." She rambled on for quite a while, making Yunlin's eyes light up with interest.
Initially unaware of her background, he had only thought she was somewhat beautiful. But now that he knew her identity, his eyes sparkled with calculation. He understood that without wealth, everything was futile—just like Prime Minister Huang, who was tightly controlled by the emperor regarding finances and could hardly move forward. If he could obtain Zhu Qingluan today, then he would have endless resources in the future.
Yunlin was well aware of who Zhu Qingluan truly was; it wasn't as dismal as Lin Ya described. In fact, she had a knack for making money. Today, she had also been invited into the palace by his mother; it seemed this was part of his mother's scheme.
If Qing Luan knew that Consort De and others were eyeing her for this reason, she would surely feel like vomiting blood in anger and shout: "I am but a lowly Merchant's Daughter and unworthy of your noble status." She would want to retreat to a corner and draw circles: they look down on her means of making a living yet are shamelessly interested in her—what bad luck!
Seeing that she had been speaking for quite some time while Yunlin's gaze remained fixed on Zhu Qingluan with keen interest made Lin Ya feel frustrated but restrained. She knew who this man was and cast an angry glance at him before stepping aside.
Hmph! Zhu Qingluan, no matter how good you are or how much attention you attract, after today you will be nothing.
The reason Consort De held the Flower Banquet was tied to her scheme. To find an opportunity, she sought out Huang, who despised Zhu Qingluan. Huang then conveyed her plan to Prime Minister Huang, who persuaded Consort De to arrange today's event—because they all shared a common enemy: Zhu Qingluan.
Everyone knew about the alliance between Prime Minister Huang and Consort De; however, since it did not concern the crown prince directly, no one dared to say much.
Qing Luan was no fool; she understood that beneath the surface calmness lay turbulent undercurrents. Thus, she observed coldly to see what Consort De wanted by inviting her into the palace.
Before long, Consort De arrived. She wore her hair adorned with a phoenix hairpin made of jewels, exuding an air of nobility and grace. Dressed in a golden silk gown embroidered with peonies, she had a seductive expression on her face. Although she was middle-aged, her well-maintained skin revealed that she was currently favored.
"Long live the Empress, long live, long live!" The crowd knelt and called out in unison. Qing Luan frowned, clearly displeased, but she slightly bent her head to comply with the tiresome custom.
"Everyone, please rise," Consort De waved her hands gracefully, showcasing her charm.
As everyone took their seats, they flashed flattering smiles at her. Qing Luan merely glanced at her before lowering her head to savor the exquisite dishes from the palace—something money couldn't buy, as not everyone could attain the skills of the Imperial Chef.
"Today, with all the flowers blooming in the Imperial Garden, I thought it would be better to share joy than to enjoy it alone. Thus, I invited all the young ladies to accompany me in the palace," Consort De's voice was soft and seductive, embodying a certain allure. "Feel free, ladies; do not feel constrained because of me, for that would go against my wishes!"
After a round of false pleasantries, everyone began to eat and drink without the earlier restraint. Qing Luan chewed on something and whispered to Sister Yun behind her, "She knows how to play her cards right; no wonder she's constantly favored. Sister Yun, you can't compete with her seductive charm!"
"Hmph," Sister Yun merely snorted dismissively, uninterested in engaging with the young lady's mockery.
Such a person was not worth comparing herself to!
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