Chapter 255

Chapter 0255: The Sound of the Zither

Her words directly slapped Consort Lan in the face.

But Consort Lan, capable of maintaining her composure even in utter embarrassment, still smiled at the Emperor: "Your Majesty, see, I meant well, but Consort Qiong is ungrateful and speaks of me this way. I dare not say more."

He Jinli, giving her face, added: "These are trivial matters. Today is the Empress's happy day, and you all mean well."

The Empress, beaming, said: "Consort Lan has been managing affairs for years and has gained experience. She makes some sense, but don't we all know Consort Qiong's temperament? After all these years, she's always been straightforward. Don't say she played the zither just to please me. If she's unwilling, even His Majesty can't compel her. In my opinion, having such a sister in the harem is truly a good thing."

"The Empress is absolutely right. I also don't dare to provoke her, with her sharp tongue, I can't win," He Jinli said, glancing at Yunli with a smile.

Yunli huffed and stomped her foot: "The Empress always teases me. In front of so many new sisters, I'm embarrassed."

"I praise you because I like you. Don't act coy after taking advantage," the Empress playfully scolded.

Their display of sisterly affection was indescribable to others.

The Emperor found it eye-watering.

Really.

It's not that their relationship seems fake, but rather that the Empress seems to be led by Yunli, and it's hard to describe.

On one hand, Yunli is admired for her strength. On the other, the Empress seems to decline year by year.

The other consorts each have their own thoughts. Those in high positions mostly find the act between the Empress and Yunli distasteful.

Those in lower positions can't help but respect Yunli for being able to have the Empress's support like this.

The newcomers are impressed, finding the Empress kind and Consort Qiong formidable.

Today is the Empress's birthday. After it ends, He Jinli naturally stays behind.

By the time Yunli returns, the Ninth Prince has long been asleep.

After removing her makeup and washing up, she finds herself not sleepy.

"Your Highness, are you not tired? Shall I keep you company for a chat?" Lu Wei offered.

"Among the new arrivals, is there anyone particularly outstanding? Although I participated in the selection, I only glanced at them once and hardly remember their faces. I recall someone with the surname Zhu seemed very attractive?" Yunli inquired.

"Responding to Your Highness, Zhu Shi Yu indeed is beautiful, but it's said she's very timid. Consort Mei does not favor her." Zhu Shi Yu has been assigned to Consort Mei's Chaoyang Palace.

"Oh? That's to be expected, she wouldn't like someone timid. But being in Chaoyang Palace means she doesn’t have to worry about being harshly treated. Sister Mei probably couldn’t be bothered with her," Yunli chuckled.

Yuqu Palace hasn't housed anyone this time, certainly per the Emperor's wishes, but these past years, since Yunli has been supporting the Empress, it hasn’t been without benefits.

Before the selection, she told the Empress directly, "I don’t want anyone coming to my place."

If the Empress didn’t grant this favor, how could they continue their relationship? So, when Consort Lan and Consort Jin mentioned Yuqu Palace, the Empress directly said that Yuqu Palace is not that big and there's no need to house newcomers there for now.

Now it's peaceful. Matters that can be resolved by the Empress need not trouble the Emperor, making the Empress feel at ease.

"That Hu Yushi is also well-born and has a good temperament. It seems Consort Jin holds her in high regard," Lu Wei said.

Hu Yushi is currently residing in Consort Jin's palace.

"Indeed, she hasn't been seen by His Majesty much. If a new face could be promoted, it would benefit her," Yunli said, yawning, "The new consorts haven’t started their duty in the imperial bedchamber yet. It's likely to start from tomorrow or the day after. It’s already been delayed by half a month."

Recently, He Jinli has been busy, with the Empress's birthday approaching, indeed he hasn’t favored any newcomers.

"Your Highness is right. You should sleep if you're tired, as tomorrow we need to pay respects again," Lu Wei said.

Yunli hummed in agreement and lay down.

The next few weeks would likely see the new consorts serving in the imperial bedchamber.

The veterans are prepared for this.

Surprisingly, the Emperor did not call for a large number of new consorts to serve in the imperial bedchamber.

Only four, three from Baolin and one Yushi.

On the first day of May, a heavy rain came. Not long after everyone arrived at Fengyi Palace, the Empress Dowager sent a message saying the morning greeting was excused due to the heavy rain.

Everyone felt a bit relieved.

The Empress busily said, "It's truly Mother Empress's care for us. If it weren’t the first day of the month, I would have told you not to come this early."

This meant it wasn’t her being strict; it was about paying respects to the Empress Dowager on the first day. Without her word, I wouldn’t dare to say.

Whether everyone appreciated this or not is hard to say, but they all smiled and agreed.

"Why don't we see Jiang Cairen?" Xian Beauty suddenly asked, looking around.

The Empress said, "She asked for leave, saying she felt feverish early in the morning. Probably didn't cover herself properly last night before the rain. It's not like you can't get sick in summer."

The Empress smiled and shook her head.

She truly has become more compassionate now.

"Indeed, the Fourth Princess had the same issue a few days ago, caught a chill in the summer air and coughed for a few days," Ye Cairen said.

"Is she better now? I remember you saying the other day that the imperial physician had seen her and said it was nothing serious," the Empress inquired.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern, the Fourth Princess has recovered," Ye Cairen replied.

Where is the arrogance and pride that Ye Cairen had when she first entered the palace?

The more she acted like this, the less favored she became. Over the years, He Jinli has never visited Le'an Palace. But now that there are newcomers residing there, it's hard to say.

By the time they dispersed, the rain had lessened.

Mei Shu Consort suddenly suggested, "Shall we go to the Imperial Garden? Despite the rain, isn't it a different kind of pleasure?"

Yunli chuckled, "Sure, let's go."

This sister's enthusiasm hasn't diminished over the years; she still loves to have fun. That's good.

"Do you feel like it today? If so, how about playing a piece for me?" Mei Shu Consort asked with a smile.

"If sister commands, of course, it's good. Someone go and fetch the zither," Yunli said with a laugh.

It was raining today, so only Lu Wei and Zhi Fu accompanied her.

With Zhi Fu attending, Lu Wei went to fetch the zither.

They strolled to the Pomegranate Pavilion, which is especially beautiful during the pomegranate blooming season. The pavilion is elevated, surrounded by numerous pomegranate trees.

It's the blooming season, with the tender red flowers looking beautiful and the unopened buds equally attractive.

However, as lovely as this place is, it's not by the lake.

Eventually, they went to the Lake Heart Pavilion, which was deserted due to the rain.

Sitting there, Lu Wei and Zhu Ding also arrived.

With the zither set up and watching the raindrops on the lake surface, Yunli began to play "Spring River Flower Moon Night."

The music was soothing and beautiful, prompting Mei Shu Consort to stand and slowly walk as she listened.

Watching as the rain outside gradually lessened and then stopped.

A cool breeze blew, carrying the scent of the earth and various flowers.

The rain had barely stopped when the sun came out.