Chapter 86: Welcome to Yu Jing. [Three updates]

Chapter 86: Welcome to the Jade Capital. [Third Update]

Outsiders, of course, knew nothing of the drama unfolding in the Eternal Spring Palace; privately, all they spoke of was how the various consorts had enjoyed themselves as both guests and hosts.

Within the Everlasting Faith Palace, it was always a scene of blooming peach blossoms and verdant willows, with birds singing and flowers filling the air with fragrance.

The next day, Jiang Yunran woke early.

The weather had grown increasingly cold. After washing and changing, she stood in the courtyard to admire the view.

The sky was faintly lit, the sun not yet risen. The entire sky was gray and overcast, as if shrouded by dark clouds, with no sign of dawn.

The glazed tiles on the palace rooftops no longer shimmered brightly, resembling the scales of a dying fish, utterly devoid of their usual luster.

The other palaces had not yet stirred; only the Listening Snow Palace was lit, already bustling with activity early in the morning.

Servants hurried about their tasks. Jiang Yunran watched as Zi Ye calmly directed two new sweepers to inspect the palace tiles for any damage early in the day.

Though young, she handled matters with experienced steadiness, commanding respect.

With Jiang Yunran's rise in status, everyone in the Listening Snow Palace had also gained higher standing.

Qing Dai was promoted to a seventh-rank Attendant, while Qian Xiaoduo was elevated to an Attendant-in-Charge, overseeing both internal and external affairs of the Listening Snow Palace.

Zi Ye was promoted to Chief Maid, serving closely at Jiang Yunran's side.

Ying Ge and Lan Yun were directly promoted from palace cleaners to second-rank maids, now serving in the bedchamber and no longer engaged in cleaning duties.

Among the eunuchs, aside from Qian Xiaoduo's promotion, Peng Yu's two apprentices, Liu Xiaorui and Wan Xiaoji, were promoted to palace attendants of the Listening Snow Palace. They were not under Jiang Yunran's direct supervision and did not count toward the palace eunuch quota.

Another cleaning eunuch, Little Six, was promoted to a second-class eunuch, assisting Qian Xiaoduo with various tasks.

The Palace Matron Bureau also selected two third-class palace maids and four palace cleaners to be sent to the Listening Snow Palace for Consort Jiang's convenience.

Thus, the entire Listening Snow Palace was now orderly and well-organized.

Even as a Chief Maid, Zi Ye remained gentle and kind. She and Qing Dai played good cop and bad cop, managing the junior maids with ease.

Noticing Jiang Yunran watching her, Zi Ye hurried over and fetched a cloak to drape over her shoulders.

"Your Ladyship, why not wear an extra layer?" Zi Ye said. "It's so cold outside; what if you catch a chill?"

Jiang Yunran shook her head. She looked up at the sky and said, "Last night, the mist obscured the moon, so it doesn’t look like it’ll be sunny today."

"Indeed," Zi Ye replied, carefully fastening the collar ties. "There should be wind today. The matrons from the Imperial Astronomer's Office said the Imperial Astronomers predicted heavy snow in the coming days."

Jiang Yunran exhaled, her breath forming a white mist that clouded her vision.

"A timely snow promises a good harvest."

"The common people are all hoping for this snow as well."

Early in the morning, the Listening Snow Palace was already abuzz with activity.

By the time Jiang Yunran was ready to leave, the sun had awakened, its faint rays piercing through the clouds to illuminate the vast earth.

Once inside the carriage, Zi Ye and Qing Dai began tidying their packages. Qian Xiaoduo sat outside alongside the eunuch driving the carriage.

The carriage moved forward, soon passing through the Fish Jump Gate and coming to a stop at the Outer Five Residences.

Qian Xiaoduo's voice rang out: "Your Ladyship, we have arrived at the Imperial Study Hall."

Jiang Yunran was taken aback, not expecting Jing Huayan to bring her directly to the Imperial Study Hall.

Supported by Qing Dai, she alighted from the carriage and looked up at the spacious, tidy halls of the Outer Five Residences.

The current emperor's sons were all under a year old and still resided in the inner palace. The only one living in the Outer Five Residences was the fifteen-year-old Prince Jing. The Third Princess and Fourth Princess lived in the Inner Five Compounds and came daily to the Imperial Study Hall to attend lessons with Prince Jing.

As Jiang Yunran stepped out of the carriage, she heard the old tutor's instruction inside the study.

She waved to Eunuch Little Liu standing opposite the door and walked over to stand by the window, peering inside.

To her surprise, Jing Huayan was also in the study today, quietly listening to Hanlin Academician Wei's lecture.

Prince Jing, now fifteen, was still a youthful and spirited young man. Sensing someone outside the window, he sneaked a look.

Their eyes met, and Prince Jing could not hide his astonishment.

Beside him, Princess Yongchang glanced at him and, before Hanlin Academician Wei noticed, stomped hard on his foot.

Fortunately, Jiang Yunran had arrived at just the right time.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the lesson concluded.

Hanlin Academician Wei bowed to Jing Huayan, who then rose with a smile and said, "It has been too long since I last attended Hanlin Academician Wei's lessons on etiquette. Listening today, I gained much."

This Hanlin Academician Wei was clearly the father of Beauty Wei. He had an elegant and slender appearance, every bit the scholarly type, without a hint of officiousness.

He replied, "Your Majesty's heart is devoted to the people, and your spirit is pure. That you can still heed your servant's lessons is a blessing for the dynasty."

Despite being an old scholar, he certainly knew how to speak well.

Eunuch Little Liu chose the perfect timing. After the exchange between the emperor and his subject, he called out, "Consort Jiang seeks an audience."

Silence fell over the Imperial Study Hall.

Jiang Yunran advanced, standing at the doorway to bow to Jing Huayan. "I pay my respects to Your Majesty. Wishing Your Majesty peace and wellness."

Since she was leaving the palace today, Jiang Yunran had not worn palace attire. Instead, she chose her most elegant jacket and skirt with butterfly sleeves, paired with a plain embroidered overdress.

Her hair was styled in a common matron's bun, adorned with a small white jade hairpin. The only other jewelry she wore was a pair of pearl ear pendants, lending her an air of refined elegance.

Jing Huayan smiled.

"You're here."

Hanlin Academician Wei, Prince Jing, and the others stepped forward to exchange greetings. After some pleasantries, Hanlin Academician Wei took his leave.

Prince Jing and Princess Yongchang had naturally met Jiang Yunran before, though they were somewhat surprised by her attire today. Princess Yongchang asked, "Imperial Brother, where are you and Consort Jiang going?"

Jing Huayan stood up, smoothing out the wrinkles on his robes.

"Consort Jiang has been applying herself to her studies and has served commendably in attendance. I am taking her out of the palace on an excursion."

Jiang Yunran: "..."

Prince Jing chuckled and said to Princess Yongchang, "Imperial Brother is pulling your leg."

How could Princess Yongchang not know? She crinkled her nose and said playfully, "Imperial Brother, you’re so wicked."

"Fourth Elder Brother and I have been working hard enough, burning the midnight oil studying."

Prince Jing was Dowager Consort De’s son, but she was too lazy to manage him and was now living at Princess Yongshou’s residence, showing no concern for her son’s studies.

Princess Yongchang’s birth mother was Virtuous Dowager Consort, who died the same year the late emperor passed away. Jing Huayan then had Noble Dowager Consort take care of Princess Yongchang.

Noble Dowager Consort had no children of her own and doted on Princess Yongchang immensely, giving her whatever she asked for—the stars, the moon, you name it. As a result, this thirteen-year-old princess grew up adorably spoiled, innocent, and straightforward.

Lately, Princess Yongning had been staying at Prince Rong’s estate and was not in the palace, so she naturally skipped study hall.

Although Princess Yongning was also lively, she was relatively sensible. When she was around, she could keep her younger siblings in line, but with only these two little troublemakers left in the study, they became even more out of control.

The Hanlin Academy and the grand tutors were all at their wits’ end. Empress Dowager Renhui wanted to discipline them but could never bring herself to punish them. Whenever Princess Yongchang turned on the charm, the empress dowager would laugh along, and the matter would eventually blow over.

Only when their strict and no-nonsense older brother was present would the two behave.

Now, hearing about going out to play, Princess Yongchang’s heart was set aflutter.

Her eyes sparkled as she sidled up to Jiang Yunran, speaking sweetly, "Little Sis, please ask the emperor for me. It’s been so long since I last went out of the palace to play."

Jiang Yunran quickly replied, "Princess, you mustn’t call me that. I really shouldn’t be called that."

To be called "little sister-in-law" by a princess, one must at least be one of the Four Consorts, and even that was only since there was no empress.

Otherwise, there would only be one sister-in-law in the palace.

Princess Yongchang’s round eyes darted about. Seeing that her brother didn’t even frown, she understood even more clearly.

This stuck-up, icy-faced ruler actually favored such a bright and beautiful woman.

Her gaze returned, and she looked up at Jiang Yunran’s stunning looks, momentarily entranced.

Who wouldn’t?

Even she liked her a lot!

Little sister-in-law was so sweet and soft, way cuter than her brothers.

Princess Yongchang immediately held on even tighter to Jiang Yunran, unwilling to let go.

Jing Huayan’s gaze slowly fell on her face.

He said nothing, his expression unchanged.

Yet Princess Yongchang gradually released her grip and stood to the side, pouting.

How stingy.

Not even allowed to hug her for a moment.

Jing Huayan called out Prince Jing for not paying attention before turning to Princess Yongchang.

"If you don’t study properly and play tricks on any more tutors, tomorrow I will have Dowager Consort Li take away your monthly allowance."

Princess Yongchang sighed, sulking. "Yes, yes, yes."

Noticing Jiang Yunran smiling at Princess Yongchang, Jing Huayan thought for a moment and said, "If you study well this month, next month, at the start of the month, I will take you out of the palace to play."

Princess Yongchang’s eyes widened instantly.

Prince Jing quickly stepped forward, cleverly adding, "Brother Emperor, listeners should get a share too."

Jing Huayan flicked him lightly on the forehead and said, "Study well."

With that, he left the study with Jiang Yunran.

The two younger ones stood at the door, reluctantly waving goodbye to the emperor and consort.

Once they were far away, Prince Jing sighed. "This month, we won’t be going out again."

Princess Yongchang shot him a disdainful look. This fool, is he really worried about that?

Brother Emperor had been on the throne for five years and had never brought any concubine out of the palace. Beauty Jiang was the first.

This was a huge deal!

In the future, if she made a mistake, aside from pleading with her mother consort and the empress dowager, there would be one more person to ask for help.

That was what truly mattered.

Thinking this, Princess Yongchang giggled to herself.

On the other side, Jiang Yunran and Jing Huayan got back into the carriage. The palace attendants followed in separate carriages behind.

Today, Jing Huayan had specifically changed into a scholar’s robe. The pale blue long robe showed off his tall, slim build, making him look even more dashing. The hair ribbon flowing behind him added an air of grace.

At first glance, one might mistake him for a young nobleman—handsome and refined.

Sensing her gaze, Jing Huayan felt secretly pleased. Without looking at Jiang Yunran, he lightly coughed and asked, "What is it?"

Jiang Yunran’s eyes curved into smiles as she softly said, "Your Majesty looks exceptionally handsome today."

Jing Huayan gave a noncommittal hum, seemingly unmoved.

Jiang Yunran noticed him slowly smoothing out his sleeve, removing the last crease.

Just as she was about to compliment him again, the carriage jolted suddenly. Unprepared, she lurched forward.

"Oh!"

Before her exclamation fully escaped, strong hands caught her by the arms, and she fell against the man’s broad, solid chest.

Jing Huayan steadied her as she sat back down, amusement in his voice.

"Hold on tight," he said. "The road out of the palace is a bit bumpy."

Jiang Yunran nodded, her face slightly flushed but full of curiosity.

"Has Your Majesty often left the palace before?" she paused before adding, "Is Your Majesty familiar with the capital?"

Jing Huayan flicked his folding fan, lifting the carriage curtain.

Outside lay the deep, shadowy tunnel of the palace gate.

The carriage raced forward, hooves clattering.

In an instant, a blaze of dazzling light poured in, stinging Jiang Yunran’s eyes.

The wide-open world was right there.

Voices of people, birds, flowing water, and the sounds of carriages and horses.

Jiang Yunran felt as if she had been instantly transported into the human world, with all its liveliness bursting around her.

Before her eyes lay the true mortal hustle and bustle.

Everything in the palace was like an ivory tower, untouched by even a hint of earthly vibrancy.

Jing Huayan said to her, "Welcome to Yujing."