lcionline Chapter 265 Embarrassment
Chapter 265 Embarrassment
The ceremonial guard returning to the palace was still grand.
The atmosphere inside the carriage was momentarily dull and oppressive, the only sound being the creaking of the wheels on the road. An Lingrong lay quietly on the couch, her head resting on Shen Meizhuang's legs, her face turned towards her stomach.
Now she has cleared the obstacles in Ganlu Temple and done everything she can. If Zhen Huan is unwilling to return to the palace, she can live a stable life in Ganlu Temple.
As for the civet cats...if the situation is beyond human control, then we can only let nature take its course.
Shen Meizhuang sat dignifiedly, slid her fingers across her cheek, and asked softly, "Are you tired?"
An Lingrong shook her head slightly, as if something was stuck in her throat. After a long while, she muffled a few words and said, "She's lost weight!"
At these words, Shen Meizhuang's heart instantly tightened, a bitterness surging through her like a tidal wave, causing her to completely collapse. The worry, heartache, and helplessness she had suppressed today could no longer be hidden, and tears flowed uncontrollably, one after another, falling heavily on An Lingrong's face.
An Lingrong noticed the slight dampness on her face, but without looking up, she just leaned forward and buried her whole face deeply in Shen Meiyu's arms. Tears flowed freely on her cheeks like a flood, wetting Shen Meiyu's clothes and soaking the silence in the dull carriage.
At this moment, they were no longer noble concubines in the harem, but ordinary women who were worried and sad for their friends, relying on each other and comforting each other.
Back at Yonghe Palace, the two people hugging and crying in the carriage seemed to be instantly covered with a layer of invisible gorgeous clothes, and turned into dignified and noble empresses again.
Shen Meizhuang was the first to step into the palace gate. She raised her chin slightly, and her expression returned to its usual dignified and noble look. Her skirt swayed gracefully as she moved her lotus steps lightly. Each step was steady, and she exuded an aura of majesty without anger.
An Lingrong followed closely behind, a perfectly composed smile on her lips, her eyes a touch more tranquil. She walked gracefully and elegantly, the pearls and jade on her head swaying slightly with each step, making a crisp sound that announced her noble status.
When the two passed through the courtyard, the palace maids and eunuchs hurriedly knelt down to greet them. They just nodded lightly, but the sound was soft, but it revealed unquestionable majesty.
Entering the main hall, the two sat elegantly on the soft couch. Immediately, a palace maid served them snacks and tea. They picked up the teacup and took a sip. Their movements were smooth and graceful, showing their elegance and grace, as if the true feelings expressed in the carriage were just a forgotten dream.
Su Ye knew that the two of them were tired from traveling today and were in a bad mood, so he asked the kitchen to prepare some light dishes.
Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong were having dinner when Su Peisheng's voice came from outside the palace: "The Emperor has arrived!"
The two looked at each other, and saw a hint of impatience in each other's eyes.
"Concubine, please pay your respects to the Emperor!"
"No need to be polite!"
After the ceremony, Yongzheng sat at the dining table and frowned at the dishes on the table: "Why are you eating only these? Did I neglect you?"
Shen Meizhuang stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Rong'er and I have a poor appetite today. We will just eat whatever we want. I dare not trouble Your Majesty to worry about us."
"How can that be? You've worked so hard taking care of the children, so you must be very careful with their food. I know you're frugal, but you can't let yourself suffer."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
"I asked the imperial kitchen to make some new ones and send them over. You can enjoy some with me. Su Peisheng, go get a pot of wine, Concubine Wen, I know you love to drink!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace." Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong thanked him in unison, then stood aside with their heads bowed.
After dinner was set up again, Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong lost their appetite even more when they saw the table full of fish and meat.
Seeing that the two of them had only moved their chopsticks a few times, Yongzheng asked, "You eat so little, are you feeling unwell?"
"Your Majesty, I am fine, just a little tired!"
"Well, you guys worked really hard today!"
Shen Meizhuang's tone was respectful and distant. She lowered her head slightly, and her words revealed the gentleness and obedience that a concubine should have. "I, your concubine, am following the Empress to pray for the country. This is what you, your concubines, should do. It is not hard at all."
Yongzheng's gaze, with a hint of inquiry, passed lightly over Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong's faces, and he asked again, "Did the trip go smoothly?"
Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong exchanged a glance, and then Shen Meizhuang bowed slightly and replied, "Thanks to the Emperor and the Empress, this trip went smoothly."
Her words were calm and appropriate, without any trace of emotion.
Yongzheng nodded slightly, but then asked, "Is there anything that makes you unhappy?"
The two of them hurriedly shook their heads, and An Lingrong also said, "No, everything is fine!"
Upon hearing this, Yongzheng slowly put down the chopsticks in his hand. The chopsticks lightly touched the table, making a slight "click" sound.
Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong quickly stood up, lowered their heads, and looked like they were apologizing.
At this moment, a look of helplessness gradually emerged on Yongzheng's face, but he didn't dare to ask any more questions.
"Sit down!"
Someone had already reported to him what had happened at Ganlu Temple today. He had originally intended to use this dinner opportunity to learn more about Zhen Huan's recent situation from Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong. Now, these two were probably the only ones in the harem who could talk to him about Zhen Huan.
But the person in front of me doesn’t accept the challenge!
Seeing Yongzheng's slightly frustrated expression, An Lingrong felt secretly pleased with herself. She lowered her eyelids slightly to hide the cunning glint that flashed across her eyes. "Didn't you issue a decree that no one in the harem should mention Sister Zhen? Now you want us to talk about it, but we won't. You're driving me crazy, Old Bidden."
Since they refused to respond, Yongzheng had no choice but to change the subject himself: "I've heard about what happened at Ganlu Temple today. You handled it very well!"
Shen Meizhuang quickly blocked the conversation: "Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty. It's all thanks to the Empress. I dare not take credit for it!"
"Rong'er, your hairpin is left in Ganlu Temple. I have ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs to choose a better-looking hairpin for you!"
An Lingrong stood up and bowed: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After saying this, the hall fell into silence for a moment.
After dinner, the sky gradually darkened. The palace lanterns lit up one by one, casting soft light into every corner of the palace, but it failed to dispel the subtle atmosphere that permeated the air.
Yongzheng still refused to leave.
This is to stay overnight!
An Lingrong stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I will take my leave!"
Yongzheng waved his hand: "It's still early, talk to me for a while!"
I don't want to talk to you, I want to sleep!
An Lingrong showed a gentle smile on her face: "I obey your order!"
Just what to say?
The atmosphere was a little awkward.
Yongzheng seemed to have sensed this discomfort, he sighed slightly, and looked up at An Lingrong: "Bring Princess Longyue here!"
A few days later, Yongzheng found an excuse to demote Concubine Qi to a noble lady.