Chapter Thirty-Three: Caution Before Buying – Confidential Talk

Chapter Thirty-Three: Caution Before Buying - Confidential Talk

Since she was meeting someone today, Fan Xueyao had dressed up elaborately, not only abandoning her usual overcoat for a dress but also adorning herself with exquisite hairstyles and jewelry.

She wore a small three-bun flying fairy hairstyle, adorned with a set of gold filigree eight-treasure auspicious cloud patterned jewelry. The hairpins and combs were inlaid with rubies, sapphires, crystal, turquoise, amber, carnelian, and tourmaline. Particularly charming were the small cloud-shaped earrings with yellow crystal and the gold filigree chain with a ruby-inlaid cloud pendant on her forehead. The entire set of jewelry was colorful, luxurious, and dazzling, with an extraordinary value.

She wore a narrow-sleeved gold-embroidered robe, revealing a water-red bodice at the collarbone. Below, she had on a pale moon-colored silk skirt embroidered with magnolias and butterflies. Around her waist was a thin silk cloud-patterned sash, and at the hem of her skirt was a red and ivory interwoven butterfly knot belt. Her arms were draped with a gold-thread embroidered shawl.

Her appearance was splendid and majestic, as if she were a celestial princess.

Initially nervous and cautious, Li Rong couldn't help but laugh and secretly relax upon seeing her daughter. She had expected her daughter to be like the concubines she had once seen—beautiful and dignified, exuding an aura of nobility. But although her daughter looked even more beautiful, she still seemed like her little slave.

"Mother thought you had grown up, but you're still so childish. Even as a noble beauty, you don't mind being laughed at," Li Rong said affectionately, her eyes crinkling with gentle wrinkles. She lovingly patted her daughter's hand, feeling her heart soften.

She had only this one daughter, who should have been cherished in her arms. Yet, she had insisted on entering the palace, and no one could stop her. Sigh, fortunately, her daughter was born with a life of wealth and honor. Seeing her daughter's rosy complexion, it was clear that life in the palace was good, which made Li Rong feel relieved.

Hearing these heartfelt words, Fan Xueyao almost teared up. Since childhood, she had decided to enter the palace and would never change her mind. However, hearing Li Rong's somewhat sad thoughts, she felt a pang of sadness. If Li Rong had another daughter, she wouldn't be so lonely in the back courtyard.

"By the way, has your sister-in-law had any good news yet?" Thinking about Li Rong's loneliness, Fan Xueyao asked about her brother's wife.

Li Rong's expression turned slightly unhappy as she complained, "Your sister-in-law isn't lucky. Mother feeds her longans, chestnuts, jujubes, and mutton every day, but there's still no good news. Last month, she was late with her period, making Mother think she was pregnant. She happily invited a doctor, but it turned out to be a false alarm."

Fan Xueyao remembered discussing with her sister-in-law before entering the palace, giving her two years. Since the deadline hadn't arrived, even though Li Rong was eager for a grandson, she couldn't break her promise. Therefore, she could only reassure her mother. After some comforting words, she inquired about her father and brother, learning that all was well.

Worried that her mother might suffer while she was away, she asked if there were any troubles at home.

Li Rong assured her that everything was fine. With her daughter favored in the palace, the Fan family was like a sanctuary. Now, the second and third branches were vying to please her, leaving no room for any trouble.

Having finished asking about everything, Fan Xueyao brought up the main topic, "Did the wet nurse give you what I mentioned earlier? Did she bring it into the palace?"

"Of course, Beauty specifically wrote a letter reminding me. How could I forget? When I entered the hall, a little palace maid with a small black mole on her cheek took it," Li Rong said, smiling proudly. "My daughter is blessed. She's been favored since entering the palace, and even I've gained face. When I first entered, the eunuch responsible for inspection saw my token and immediately changed his demeanor, showing great respect."

Fan Xueyao smiled and added, "Everyone here is adept at changing their attitudes based on circumstances. Mother, whenever you come to the palace, just look at the eunuch guarding the gate to know how favored I am."

Li Rong laughed even harder, then expressed concern, "Mother knows you are favored by the Emperor, but do you remember what I told you before? Always be cautious and careful. Don't let temporary favor make you arrogant. Throughout history, many favored concubines and powerful ministers have fallen because of this. Even if you are favored now, the Emperor may overlook your faults, but when his love wanes, he will hold past mistakes against you."

"Don't worry, Mother," Fan Xueyao replied confidently, her demeanor elegant. "Mother often praises me for being steady and reliable. Have you forgotten?"

"How could I forget?" Li Rong sighed, her well-maintained face filled with pride. Her daughter had always been exceptionally clever and obedient. As a mother, she worried about her child's well-being, even in adulthood.

"I'm concerned that you might be blinded by the Emperor's favor and others' flattery. You've been pampered since childhood and haven't faced major setbacks. If something happens... I fear you won't be able to handle the difference."

"Don't worry, Mother," Fan Xueyao gently patted Li Rong's hand. "I understand the importance of maintaining balance and being cautious. I seek lasting glory, not temporary fame. I will always be mindful and restrained."

"That's good, that's good." Li Rong nodded repeatedly, her smile brightening. She didn't want to waste time on unnecessary worries during her limited visit. They continued chatting about family matters.

Li Rong was concerned that her young daughter might be shy about intimate matters. Wanting her daughter to capture the Emperor's heart, she asked if their intimacy was harmonious.

Fan Xueyao nodded slightly, blushing, "Like fish in water."

Li Rong beamed, saying, "Good." It was worth the effort and expense to gather high-quality wedding gifts for her daughter.

After a while, Huaping came to inform them that Eunuch Guo was coming to remind them to leave. Li Rong got up to prepare her departure.

"Huaping, did you prepare everything I asked for?" Fan Xueyao asked.

Huaping bowed and replied, "Yes, Beauty, everything is ready."

Satisfied, Fan Xueyao turned to Li Rong and whispered, "Mother, I have a letter for Yan Ran. Please deliver it to her as soon as you leave the palace. If Yan Ran has anything to send me, she'll come to our house. Then, Mother can take it and bring it into the palace using the items I gave you and Father."

Li Rong nodded eagerly.

They exchanged a few more words of advice before Eunuch Guo came to remind them again. Li Rong prepared to leave, and Huaping handed her the gift box she had brought, opening it to reveal various fruits.

"These are special pastries made according to Beauty's instructions, perfect for breakfast or snacks," Huaping explained, pointing to the green rice balls, "These are Qingtuan, soft and delicious." She pointed to the translucent ones, "These are agate cakes, sweet and melt-in-your-mouth." She continued, "Rose fruit honey cakes, purple rice cakes, sesame cakes, lotus paste pastries, lotus thread pastries, pine nut lily pastries."

Eunuch Guo nodded and smiled, "Lady Fan is fortunate indeed. These are truly delicious pastries." He had tasted them earlier and found them delightful.

Li Rong left with the gift box, smiling, followed by Eunuch Guo. Fan Xueyao personally escorted her out of the Spreading Fragrance Hall and watched her depart before returning inside.

"Where is the item Mother brought in?" Fan Xueyao asked Huaping upon entering.

"Slave put it in the storeroom. I'll fetch it now," Huaping replied, leaving and returning shortly with a green vase and a carved sandalwood treasure box with intricate patterns of vines, birds, and flowers. This was a recent gift from Chu Nan, originally from his private collection.

Fan Xueyao dismissed everyone and opened the box. Inside were twelve fine-necked round-bellied blue porcelain bottles containing various flower essences. In the bottom layer were twelve similar white porcelain bottles containing essential oils. Although the palace had flower essences, she preferred to use her own to avoid any potential issues.

She removed each bottle and placed them on the table. Each bottle was sealed with a cork wrapped in red silk. She removed the cork from the first bottle and used a thin, delicate hairpin to pry off a small piece of the cork. The cork was hollow and carefully sealed, making it impossible to tell from the outside.