"How dare you!"
"Which palace do you belong to? How dare you occupy Consort Yun’s pavilion? Unbelievable!"
A harsh, grating voice like a squawking duck rang out.
Xia Ruqing was startled; her brush trembled, and drops of ink fell onto the paper, ruining the pristine sheet.
Zi Yue fumed. He’s just a eunuch! No matter how much power he’s gained, he has no right to behave so rudely in front of the masters!
Xiao Xizi scrambled to his feet to reprimand him, but Xia Ruqing hurriedly stopped him, setting down her brush and stepping out of the pavilion.
As expected! Consort Yun was standing not far away.
Xia Ruqing walked up slowly and paid her respects to Consort Yun according to protocol.
"This servant greets Your Highness, Consort Yun!"
Consort Yun was exceedingly beautiful, with a slender waist like a delicate willow, bright eyes, and sparkling teeth; her eyes danced with captivating charm. She wore a pink palace gown and white sheepskin boots, draped in a white fox fur cloak that accentuated her snow-white skin and added an air of delicate nobility.
Xia Ruqing couldn’t help but click her tongue in admiration internally. Zhao Junyao’s women are truly beautiful!
"So it’s Lady Xia!" Consort Yun’s lips curved slightly in a smile. Her voice was soft and pleasing to the ear, yet it held no warmth.
"Your Highness, this servant came early this morning and saw the pavilion was empty. After waiting for a while and seeing no one, I took the liberty of..." Xia Ruqing hurriedly explained. She felt a twinge of guilt, as Consort Yun had, after all, arrived first.
"Hmph!" Consort Yun didn’t ask her to rise but went straight into the pavilion instead.
Xia Ruqing’s heart sank. Even if this is punishment, I should at least be allowed to stand upright! This awkward curtsy is making my legs ache!
"Your Highness, this servant had no intention of offending. I will immediately have someone pack up and return the pavilion to you!" Xia Ruqing was somewhat anxious; she didn’t want to be forced to stand out in this freezing weather.
Consort Yun turned back to look at her, her gaze falling on the wooden clogs Xia Ruqing was wearing, a trace of sarcasm on her lips. A mere Lady Xia, daring to challenge me? It was just a simple greeting, and look how terrified she is! Hmph!
"Forget it. We are all sisters here. Since we’re both here to admire the plum blossoms, if Lady Xia does not object, perhaps you would accompany this Consort in admiring them?" Her tone was casual, and after speaking, she entered the pavilion.
Xia Ruqing clenched her fists and followed her inside.
Consort Yun looked around. Seeing all of Xia Ruqing’s belongings on the stone table, her face showed disdain.
"Cai Die..."
The Palace Maid behind her stepped forward promptly, efficiently clearing away all of Xia Ruqing’s items. The tea stove, Xuan paper, brushes, and ink were about to be carelessly bundled together.
Xiao Xizi hurriedly approached, smiling. "Sister, these items belong to our Lady Xia. It would be a pity to throw them away. Why not gift them to us?"
True to the saying ’one doesn’t hit a smiling face,’ Cai Die uttered a few sarcastic remarks but ultimately returned everything.
Soon, the only thing left on the table was the vase full of plum blossoms.
Just as Cai Die was about to throw it away, Consort Yun suddenly stopped her. "These plum blossoms are quite lovely. Let’s keep them!"
"Yes!"
Everything was tidied up, and the Palace Attendants retreated to one side.
Consort Yun sat down, gazing at the vase, and said leisurely, "These red plum blossoms are truly beautiful!"
Xia Ruqing remained silent. I don’t know what she’s trying to pull. Better not to respond.
"The pruning of these plum blossoms is not bad; the gardeners must have worked hard on them!" Consort Yun added. As she spoke, she reached out with her fair, slender fingers, plucked a few of the finest blossoms from the tips of the branches, and brought them to her nose.
"Is this... the vase you arranged?" she suddenly asked.
"This servant is unskilled. Please forgive my poor display, Your Highness," Xia Ruqing responded with her head down. Although I don’t know what Consort Yun is really up to, I have a strong feeling she means me no good!
Consort Yun sized up Xia Ruqing from head to toe. Suddenly laughing, she said, "Lady Xia indeed knows how to dress. This outfit is quite fitting for the occasion and truly complements your beauty! When admiring plum blossoms, colorful attire isn’t attractive; pure white like this is most suitable."
Xia Ruqing hurriedly said, "This servant’s looks are ordinary; how could I possibly compare to Your Highness’s heavenly beauty?"
In fact, what she said was largely true. Her features were actually quite delicate, but due to long-term abuse by her stepmother, her body was weak, and her complexion was often wan. Without a good complexion, even the most beautiful features could not display their true charm. Thus, Xia Ruqing’s looks could only be considered fair, perhaps slightly above average.
Consort Yun gave a cool smile and didn’t continue the conversation but suddenly beckoned. "Come here..."
Xia Ruqing felt somewhat uncomfortable. Her tone... it’s like she’s calling a cat or a dog! Muttering a few complaints under her breath, she reluctantly moved forward.
Consort Yun stood up and pinned the few plum blossoms she had picked into Xia Ruqing’s hair. "This simple white outfit, matched with red plum blossoms, is truly a perfect match!" Consort Yun said happily.