by Ning er
This time, the wait was not long. In just five minutes, the most capable palace maid by the Empress Dowager’s side, Lan gugu quickly walked out. Extending a shallow smile towards Yun Qian Meng, she slightly bowed and said courteously, “We’ve really caused Yun xiaojie to wait a long time. Empress Dowager is just expecting you!”
Yun Qian Meng naturally wouldn’t owe Lan gugu any courtesy. When she had bowed halfway, Yun Qian Meng herself immediately bent her knee in salute, and returned the half-bow!
After all, Lan gugu is one of Empress Dowager’s favored people, even Qu gonggong had to address her as Lan jiejie. Yun Qian Meng, although a young lady from the xiangfu, didn’t really have a title. Moreover, there were many eyes and ears within the palace. She, even more, could not allow others to grab and exploit any weaknesses or shortcomings just because of matters of etiquette!
“Thanks for gugu’s trouble!” Lan gugu only heard a bright and clear voice ring from her side. She raised her head to look at Yun Qian Meng, her eyes suddenly flashing brightly!
She only felt that this Yun family’s young miss was very different from the past. Although similarly bowing to a slave like her, there wasn’t even the least bit of unwillingness! But, she didn’t, because she was a favored person to Empress Dowager, present her with a flattering attitude!
Lan gugu could only feel that this young miss had bowed to her sincerely!
At this, Lan gugu couldn’t help but think slightly higher of Yun Qian Meng in her heart. She bent her body to welcome Yun Qian Meng into Empress Dowager’s bedroom……
What Yun Qian Meng didn’t expect was, right now, there were already quite a few number of guests in the Empress Dowager’s bedroom. Including, below the Empress Dowager’s right, a woman wearing a red court dress was seated. Her fine black hair was arranged so that not a single strand was out of place, a shiny, golden soaring phoenix hairpin was most dazzling on top of her head. No need to think further, this was certainly the Empress for the current Emperor!
And beneath the Empress, a person that Yun Qian Meng had already met before, Ji Shu Yu had taken a seat. Right now, her eyes that were looking at Yun Qian Meng had even more warmth!
Yet another person sitting beneath Empress Dowager’s left was unexpectedly a charming and enchanting woman. However, compared to the Empress Dowager and others’ relatively amiable smiles, this woman’s smile contained traces of coldness……
Seeing that everyone equally smiled as they looked at her enter, Yun Qian Meng immediately stepped ahead. Facing the Empress Dowager who sat in the middle, she kneeled in greeting, speaking in a bright voice, “chennü Yun Qian Meng pays respects to Empress Dowager, wishing Empress Dowager happiness and longevity! Pays respects to Empress niangniang, wishing niangniang boundless happiness! Greetings to all the elders, elders are too courteous!”
Empress Dowager heard Yun Qian Meng’s phrasing and also understood that she wasn’t acquainted with some of these people. She then smiled as she spoke, “Good child, just stand up!”
As she spoke, both of Yun Qian Meng’s arms were supported and she was helped up by palace maids that had been standing to one side!
Just as she managed to stand firm, a charming voice faintly sounded in her ears, “jiejie, it seems that this yatou doesn’t recognize ben gong!”
Hearing this, Yun Qian Meng lightly raised her slightly drooped eyes. She only saw that the charming woman was staring directly at her, but was acting coquettishly towards the Empress Dowager!
Yet the Empress Dowager’s expression didn’t change. Beckoning Yun Qian Meng to come over to her side with a hand, she gestured towards the woman and said, “Meng’er, come greet Yuan De fei niangniang. She is Chen Wang’s birth mother!”
Chapter 30: So many twists and turns | Chu Wang Fei
Yu Qian Di – The current Emperor
太妃 taifei – Imperial concubine of the previous (late) Emperor
臣女 chennü – I, your servant; address used by commoner girls towards royalty
哀家 aijia – in mourning; the Empress Dowager, a widowed Empress uses this to refer to herself, as they are apparently in mourning for her deceased husband
母后 muhou – mother empress
舅舅 jiujiu – uncle
少爷 shaoye – young master
王爷 wangye – prince
When she heard the Empress Dowager’s cue, Yun Qian Meng was inwardly startled. Her gaze turned back towards Yuan De fei who was beaming from ear to ear, then she paid her full respects once again, lightly saying, “chennü greets taifei niangniang!”
“It’s alright, stand!” A clear and cold voice fell onto her head. Without waiting for Yun Qian Meng to stand firm, Yuan De fei started speaking again, “jiejie, this yatou really grew up quite well. Her appearance could actually surpass us!”
Unlike her tone, Yuan De fei’s second statement was actually praising Yun Qian Meng!
Yun Qian Meng immediately showed a frightened expression on her half-lowered face as she quickly replied, “Thanks for taifei niangniang’s overpraising. chennü’s looks are just ordinary, cannot be on equal terms with the present niangniang!”
Whilst Yuan De fei heard Yun Qian Meng’s modest words, she did not express any happiness. She only lifted a teacup to take a light sip, before faintly saying, “Why should miss Yun be so modest? Like this, you really aren’t like a person who just broke off her engagement!”
Yuan De fei’s words had the implication the matter of Chen Wang refusing to marry her was all to blame on Yun Qian Meng!
Listening to this mild and gentle kind of interrogation, Empress Dowager still maintained her smile. But, she pulled over Yun Qian Meng away from Yuan De fei then laughed and said, “It was you who made noise to see Meng’er. Seeing her now, you’re actually being hard on aijia’s child! Originally when aijia and the late Emperor bestowed Chen Wang with that marriage, you and Chen Wang had both been opposed to it. Now that your hearts’ wish is granted, you’re still starting another ruckus. Say, aren’t you making things difficult for aijia?”
Facing off against Yuan De fei who had been intentionally been making things awkward, the Empress Dowager countered firmly yet gently. Although she didn’t make Yuan De fei lose face, she still made it so that she couldn’t raise difficult questions by bringing up the marriage withdrawal!
However, Yuan De fei, being prickled slightly by the Empress Dowager, especially under the faces of Yun Qian Meng and the Empress, these two juniors, was going to feel unhappy after all. So, she didn’t continue the conversation with the Empress Dowager, instead, she examined Yun Qian Meng closely once more!
She only saw that today, Yun Qian Meng was clad in a bright-green long skirt. The exquisite golden borders matched with cloud-patterned embroidery looked grand and noble, yet simple and elegant against Yun Qian Meng’s skin!
And right now, although Yun Qian Meng had not spoken yet, she was standing beside the Empress Dowager, her body a picture of calm. Despite the awkwardness she had intentionally caused, Yun Qian Meng maintained a fitting smile; the bottom of her eyes unperturbed, unexpectedly expressing a convincing and self-confident calmness, causing a trace of uncertainty to streak across Yuan De fei’s heart!
The information about Yun Qian Meng that her spies had originally gathered only said that this di daughter from the xiangfu was timid and cowardly. Even the marriage withdrawal in the throne room from last time was classified as a decision she had made because she couldn’t endure the humiliation!
But today, when Yuan De fei personally saw Yun Qian Meng, she immediately overthrew the previous conclusion in her heart. Only, this raised her suspicions towards the Empress Dowager’s plans……
All that was left in the Empress Dowager’s chambers was a picture of silence, only the tinkling noises of the touching of teacups and saucers could be heard……
Right at this moment, a pink silhouette rushed in from outside as the accompanying palace maids softly yelled, “Princess, be careful not to
fall!”
Nobody had the time to react before they saw that the pink silhouette had already rushed into the Empress’s bosom and was speaking in a soft falsetto, “muhou, Yao’er wants muhou to play with Yao’er!”
The Empress who had been taciturn from the start, had an indulging smile floating from her eyes at this moment. They only saw her support the little princess’s body as she tenderly said, “Yao’er, how can you forget your manners? Quickly bow to your elders!”
Princess Yao was Yu Qian Di’s pearl in the palm. Born from the Empress’s belly, she was of honorable status. But after hearing the Empress’s reminder, she still complied and bowed to everyone!
Everyone saw that the cute little beauty was bowing while mimicking the manners of grownups, and also looked at how she was still only four years old, and smiled to let the palace maids help her up!
Only, when Princess Yao saw Yun Qian Meng, her limpid eyes flickered with perplexion before she smilingly pounced onto Yun Qian Meng’s body. Wrapping herself around Yun Qian Meng’s body, she blurted out, “muhou, Yao’er likes jiejie!” After that, she pulled Yun Qian Meng’s hand to take her outside!
When she said this everyone laughed heartily. The Empress Dowager didn’t want Yuan De fei to make things difficult for Yun Qian Meng again, so she waved her hand for them to pass, telling Princess Yao’s wet nurse, “Bring some more people to follow the princess and miss Yun. They should only play in the vicinity of the Imperial Garden, be sure to be careful when waiting upon them!”
Yun Qian Meng didn’t have a choice, besides, she didn’t really want to tangle with Yuan De fei who seemed to dislike her, so she allowed herself to be dragged away by Princess Yao and withdrew from Empress Dowager’s chambers……
It was exactly noon at the moment. Even though it was winter, the light yellow rays of sunshine falling on their bodies was also exceptionally warm and gentle!
Princess Yao who had finally found someone to play with her seemed to be extremely excited. On the road, she ran as she pulled Yun Qian Meng who staggered along behind her, frightening the palace maids and eunuchs behind them until they couldn’t help but softly urge her in warning……
Yun Qian Meng lowered her head and saw that the little princess was gasping her breath from running too much. So she lightly pulled her to a halt, then crouched down and tidied up the princess’s hair that had become messy from the wind then gently said, “Princess, Qian Meng wants to properly appreciate the beautiful scenery in the Imperial Garden. May I request, princess, that we walk more slowly?”
The princess only felt that her cheeks were brushed gently, just like with muhou. For a moment, a beaming smile spread across her face, as she also noticed that Yun Qian Meng was even prettier than she had thought when she had lifted her head to take a look earlier. Her little arms unconsciously wrapped around Yun Qian Meng’s neck as she earnestly gave a nod, softly responding, “Okay!”
Yun Qian Meng who saw that she was so obedient and was born with a fair and pretty innocence, slightly smiled, then spread her arms to hug and carry the little princess in her arms!
The palace maids behind them saw that the little princess who had always been reluctant to get close to others was obediently letting Yun Qian Meng carry her, and felt their hearts fill up with astonishment, Their eyes showed some curiosity towards Yun Qian Meng……
“jiejie, that’s the eight-sided pavilion!” The little princess was leaning one of her hands on Yun Qian Meng’s shoulders while the other chubby little hand was pointing ahead, explaining the scenery in the Imperial Garden to Yun Qian Meng!
Yun Qian Meng’s gaze followed her little hand, and found that a silver-haired man clad in a silver brocade robe was sitting in the distant eight-sided pavilion. Only, his back was facing them, so they couldn’t see his face……
“jiejie, that’s Rong jiujiu!” The little princess might be young, but she was also able to read expressions. When she saw that Yun Qian Meng was slightly puzzled, she hurried to comment fawningly!
At these words, bits and pieces of memories floated in Yun Qian Meng’s mind. This silver-haired young man was most likely the di descendant of the richest Rong family in West Chu country!
Just then, the person in the pavilion seemed to sense Yun Qian Meng’s sight and unexpectedly turned around. As their eyes met, Yun Qian Meng didn’t evade and only courteously nodded to Rong shaoye, then carried princess Yao to continue journeying ahead……
But just after a few steps, they met Chen Wang who was quietly standing around the corner of the cloister……
Still within her bosom, Princess Yao suddenly buried her face in Yun Qian Meng’s shoulders. Yun Qian Meng had no choice and could only carry Princess Yao while she bent her knee to bow, “chennü greets Chen wangye!”
Today, Chen Wang was wearing an inky black traditional brocade robe with a similarly colored cloak draped over his shoulders, his handsome face carrying a gloomy look. Don’t mention the little princess, even if an adult saw it, their hearts would also be filled with dread!
But Yun Qian Meng’s voice that was level and calm, especially after Chen Wang had seen the scene of her exchanging glances with Rong Yun He in the distance just now, actually caused him to feel displeased in his heart. He spoke at once with a gloomy and cold voice, “Looks like, miss Yun has already found a branch from a tall tree?”
When she heard this, Princess Yao’s body slightly stiffened. Yun Qian Meng raised her hand and softly patted her back, then raised her eyes to meet Chen Wang’s cold gaze as she dully smiled, “Sorry for bothering wangye, chennü asks to be excused!”
Finishing, she no longer took notice of Chen Wang’s eyes that looked like they were about to spit fire and led the group of servants to cross over to his side and directly walked ahead……
But Chen Wang was not satisfied. Just as he wanted to block Yun Qian Meng’s path, a sapphire-blue silhouette had noiselessly appeared before them, “Little princess, so this is where you are!”
The person that had appeared just happened to be Chu Fei Yang. His face was covered with a shallow smile, showing a distinct contrast with Chen Wang’s gloomy expression. The little princess heard his voice and raised her head, then spread her little arms wide to let Chu Fei Yang hug her!
Chapter 31: The prince and the minster bicker in the palace | Chu Wang Fei
But, how could the wet nurse behind them dare to let Chu Fei Yang hug the little princess? After all, no matter how young the princess was, Chu Fei Yang was still an outsider. Direct contact between men and women was restricted; they absolutely could not ignore these customs!
The wet nurse only humbly stepped in front of them, then quietly said, “Miss Yun, it’s better to pass the princess over to nubi! The princess ought to feel like napping soon!”
Hearing this, Chu Fei Yang did not say much, carrying a shallow smile on his face as he watched the wet nurse carry away Princess Yao who was unwilling to leave!
Yun Qian Meng saw that presently, only Shui’er and Bing’er were left by her side. Fully aware that if she stayed for too long, her own reputation would be harmed, she faced the person before her and paid her respects, intending to leave, but found her path obstructed by Chen Wang. At the same time, his voice rang in her ears. “The inner palace is an important place, how can outsiders enter and leave as they wish?! Chu xiang has always abided by the rules, why can’t you comprehend such a fundamental rule today? Could it be for a certain someone?”
As he spoke, Chen Wang’s eyes were constantly sizing up Yun Qian Meng and Chu Fei Yang!
Only, seeing that Yun Qian Meng’s bright green long skirt that reached the ground, and Chu Fei Yang’s sapphire-blue brocade robe, were together, unexpectedly easy on the eyes; and thinking back to when Chu Fei Yang had pleaded in Yun Qian Meng’s favor back in the throne room the other day, Chen Wang felt a bad taste in his mouth!
When these words were spoken, a faint fury flashed across Yun Qian Meng’s half-lowered eyes, while Chu Fei Yang l
ightly raised his eyebrows, instead downplaying the conversation, “In all likelihood, the reason ben xiang entered the palace today should be the same as wangye’s! If wangye keeps delaying, I’m afraid the Empress Dowager might lay down an imperial degree soon!”
Chu Fei Yang only joked casually, but Chen Wang’s complexion darkened. He only gave Chu Fei Yang a ruthless glare, then deeply looked at Yun Qian Meng for a bit, before he immediately turned and advanced toward the Empress Dowager’s chambers in large strides……
Yun Qian Meng silently listened to the two of them cross swords. Although she was curious in her heart, she knew that the circumstances in the inner palace were complicated. Just a single wrong word could result in being consigned to eternal damnation! She then faintly said, “chennü excuses herself!”
Chu Fei Yang didn’t prevent her from leaving, but his smiling eyes sent a curious probing gaze towards Yun Qian Meng. Only after Yun Qian Meng’s silhouette had disappeared from his sight did he turn and walk towards the palace gates……
Yun Qian Meng had just retraced her steps to the Empress Dowager’s Feng Xiang palace when she saw Yuan De fei walking out with an angry expression, while Chen Wang followed behind her with a similarly cold expression. The palace maids behind them all had their heads lowered and didn’t dare to make the slightest noise……
Seeing this, Yun Qian Meng immediately backed off to one side, and led Shui’er and Bing’er to bend their knees and bow. Yuan De fei who was spitting anger actually paused her steps right in front of her, then fiercely flung her own sleeves before leaving furiously……
Chen Wang, still gloomy, commanded in a stern voice, “Escort taifei back to Chen wangfu!” Then, he glanced indifferently at Yun Qian Meng and too, furiously stepped out of Feng Xiang palace!
When Yun Qian Meng went back into the Empress Dowager’s chambers, only the Empress Dowager and Ji Shu Yu were still there!
