Chapter 0147: Meeting

Chapter 0147: Meeting

But at this moment, the Emperor was unavailable.

The message was to ensure that Jin Defei was taken care of. Even sending a eunuch from the palace to check on her would suffice.

It wasn't even Meng Chang who came.

After all, at this time, the Emperor was busy meeting with ministers, and Meng Chang had plenty to do.

Xu Baolin dared not move now, especially after experiencing bleeding. She would need over a month to recover.

It's likely that even if she had plans to go to the grasslands before, she couldn't now. She'll have to stay in the palace.

As for herself, she's alright, only saying that she caused worry among her sisters.

With nothing much happening, everyone went back to their own affairs.

Yunli returned and went straight to sleep, feeling incredibly tired.

Jin Defei's heart was in turmoil.

If Xu Baolin were still staying with her, she wouldn't know how she'd feel at this moment.

But with Xu Baolin suddenly pregnant, her mood couldn't improve.

The Emperor was still young, and the palace was full of concubines, so having many children was inevitable.

However, at this moment, Jin Defei finally understood completely that her favor had ended.

Life in the palace was comfortable.

Jin Defei didn't dare to command others to pay respects to her; her background was ordinary, and even with her noble rank, she wouldn't dare to do such a thing.

Otherwise, when she returned to the palace, the Empress wouldn't forgive her.

Some concubines thought they could receive respects, but others didn't attempt it.

Like Yunli, like Jing Cairen.

In the palace, it was a typical northern landscape.

It's said that come winter, the water here freezes into ice, exceptionally cold.

Therefore, there were no common flowers and trees seen in the palace when Yunli and others were there.

Although the imperial palace was somewhat northern, it wasn't as north as here.

Consequently, Yunli found the scenery more interesting; rarity often brought intrigue.

In the palace, there's a poplar tree, they say it lives for three thousand years, dies for three thousand years, and decays for three thousand years.

Naturally, that's impossible, but the tree is indeed magnificent.

It grows crookedly but intriguingly. Its rugged appearance suggests it's quite old.

"Beauty, they say this tree is even older than the palace," Zhu Ding remarked.

Yunli smiled, "So it must be hundreds of years old?"

This palace was left from the previous dynasty. Later, the Great Jin Dynasty demolished part of it for reconstruction, but some parts remained untouched, only renovated.

"I... I'm not sure, but that's what people in the palace say," Zhu Ding replied.

Yunli nodded; it wasn't a matter of great importance anyway; it didn't matter if it was true or not.

"Beauty, someone's here," Zhifu announced.

Yunli looked over and saw Ye Baolin.

The palace's small garden was not as vast as the imperial garden, naturally.

Ye Baolin approached and saw Yunli, "Qiong Beauty, greetings."

"No need," Yunli replied.

Ye Baolin stood properly, "Is sister enjoying the tree? I saw it yesterday and found it quite extraordinary."

"It's rare," Yunli remarked.

"They say in autumn, when the leaves of this tree turn yellow, it's most beautiful. I wonder if we'll have the chance to see it," Ye Baolin commented.

"We'll find out when the time comes. It's my first time here, and I don't know what's planned ahead," Yunli said, then added, "Take your time to admire it; I'll go for a walk elsewhere."

The two had nothing much to discuss; Yunli left without hesitation.

Ye Baolin only saw her off respectfully.

Once she left, the attendant suggested, "Baolin, shall we go see the flowers? The flowers in the north are quite different."

Ye Baolin grunted in agreement, withdrew her gaze, and headed forward.

On the other side, Zhifu remarked, "Ye Baolin seems more talkative nowadays."

Yunli glanced at Zhifu, her smile carrying a hint of meaning.

Zhifu also smiled; she was deliberately teasing her mistress.

As for Ye Baolin...

Perhaps she feels she's not as good as before.

The Emperor, considering Prince Qi's face, granted Ye the position of Baolin.

But she, somewhat arrogant in her abilities, unfortunately couldn't sway the Emperor.

This Ye Baolin is said to have some talent in poetry, but do ancient men truly appreciate women's poetic talents?

Arrogance can only go so far; it's just awkward.

It wasn't until the seventh day in the palace that the Emperor had time to see the concubines. He summoned Jin De Fei to the Zhengqian Palace.

Primarily, he inquired about Xu Baolin's condition. After clarifying matters, the Emperor visited Xu Baolin in the afternoon and rested there.

Yunli, upon hearing the report, wasn't concerned about that. She only asked, "When do we depart?"

"Madam, the front party said we'll depart the day after tomorrow."

Yunli nodded. "Is everything prepared?"

"Madam, everything's ready. Please don't worry," Zhifu replied.

Yunli nodded again and reclined comfortably. It's so much more relaxing without the formalities of court etiquette.

It's all work, but no need to wake up early, which is great.

When it was finally time to leave the traveling palace, Xu Baolin was indeed left behind.

Along with him, two of the Emperor's personal maids were also left to take care of him.

It's evident that the Emperor treats her quite well.

Yunli and the others set off before dawn again, but this time the journey wasn't too far, taking only two days to arrive.

On the grasslands, there were plenty of cattle and sheep, with a large river stretching across, making Yunli wish for an aerial photo, sure it would be beautiful.

The river like a jade belt, the cattle and sheep on the grasslands seemed like clouds.

Unfortunately, she wouldn't have the chance to see that.

The campsite was large, divided into two sections: one for the Emperor and one for the Yuanzheng people.

On the Emperor's side, his personal tent was in the center, with the concubines' tents behind it, forming an inner circle. The outer circle was for royal relatives and ministers, each occupying a small section.

With four layers of imperial guards inside and out, the security was quite reassuring.

The visiting Yuanzheng people were indeed led by the eldest prince.

This eldest prince was almost certainly to be the next Khan.

Because his mother has always been the most favored, and she is the legitimate Queen Mother, his position is secure. His same-mother brothers also respect him greatly and vigorously uphold him.

So even if others have intentions, they are powerless to resist.

At this moment, the Crown Prince is welcoming with the Queen Mother and the Consort.

The Consort is unexpectedly the Princess of Jingning. After she married, she even grew taller, and after having children, she appeared to be in extremely good spirits.

It's evident that things are going well for her.

Whether it's because she's genuinely favored or because of her status, she's doing well.

Everyone was welcomed into the big tent, all smiling and appearing very happy.

There were many Yuanzheng people who came, all nobles and ministers.

He Jingli smiled and said, "Prince Hanwu, it's been a long time."

"His Majesty the Emperor has also been away for a long time. I miss him very much," the Crown Prince smiled.

"Unfortunately, my Meifei is pregnant and cannot come. I believe she misses you very much too," He Jingli smiled.

"I received the news before coming, and my sister's pregnancy also made it impossible for her to come. There will always be another time for reunions," the Crown Prince smiled.

He Jingli nodded and talked to him about Yuanzheng's affairs.

He asked him how last winter was.

Yuanzheng is very cold, and when there's a lot of snow, their days are tough.

The Crown Prince also sighed; the climate issue is indeed a big problem, but they've been accustomed to it for generations.

The Princess of Jingning always sat beside the Crown Prince, wearing a smile on her face.

He Jingli also exchanged a few greetings; her responses were relaxed, indicating that she was gradually getting used to life in Yuanzheng.