Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Xie Run stayed in Spring Mountain Court, and her greatest daily pleasure was gossiping ('eating melons' in Chinese slang).

Xiaoshu loved watching dramas even more than Xie Run, so she had Yueliang'er keep an eye on Clear Bamboo Court's entrance from early on.

When Yueliang'er saw Concubine Li seeing Concubine Lu out, she immediately came to tell Xiaoshu.

Xiaoshu then passed the first-hand news to Xie Run.

Xiaoshu's eyes sparkled: "Mistress, Concubine Li and Concubine Lu have made up again!"

"Just now Yueliang'er saw Concubine Li personally seeing Concubine Lu off, and both of them were beaming."

Xie Run had been sitting for a long time, and now she was practicing calligraphy with a brush, treating it as exercise.

Upon hearing this, she mulled over the word "overjoyed" and said, "I'm afraid only Concubine Li is truly joyful; Concubine Lu may not be."

Xiaoshu snorted lightly, "If I were Concubine Li, sending away that nuisance Concubine Lu, I'd probably want to set off firecrackers and celebrate for three days."

Concubine Lu had also visited Spring Mountain Court.

The maids of Spring Mountain Court all knew how talkative she was.

Way too chatty!

However, Xie Run didn't like to put up a facade; when she couldn't bear it anymore, she simply told her to leave.

Because she was a secondary consort (Shu Fei), Concubine Lu didn't dare to argue, so it was peaceful.

Concubine Li and Concubine Lu were similar people.

The former was proud and cared about face, which was perfectly countered by Concubine Lu's thick skin.

Even if they fell out, it would be like punching a cotton ball—totally useless.

Few in Spring Mountain Court were surprised by the reconciliation between Concubine Lu and Concubine Li.

They were even secretly excited.

There would be another drama to watch.

Xie Run asked curiously, "Did you find out how they made up?"

Xiaoshu, always well-informed, quickly nodded, "This whole thing started yesterday."

"Yesterday, Concubine Li had an upset stomach and looked unwell. Concubine Lu directly asked if she was pregnant, which angered Concubine Li greatly."

"As you know, Mistress, both Concubine Li and Concubine Han are watching each other. The moment they hear the word 'pregnancy,' they'd probably lose their cool."

"Concubine Li was probably scared pale by Concubine Lu's words, which is why she was so furious."

Xie Run listened, and a meaningful smile appeared on her face.

"How do you know that Concubine Li had an upset stomach, not pregnant?"

Xiaoshu replied, "Exactly!"

"Hearing this, Concubine Han will definitely take it seriously, and then Concubine Li will be in for trouble."

"What terrible luck to run into someone like Concubine Lu!"

Xie Run shook her head: "What I mean is, how do you know the news that 'Concubine Li had an upset stomach, not pregnant'?"

Xiaoshu was stumped for a moment.

Then she quickly reacted, "Could this be news deliberately released by Concubine Li?"

The people in Clear Bamboo Court were tight-lipped; they couldn't find out about yesterday's events.

Today, they suddenly learned everything—wasn't that suspicious?

Xiaoshu paused, "Could Concubine Li really be pregnant?"

Dan Tao chimed in, "It could also be news that Concubine Lu let slip."

After all, she was such a blabbermouth.

Xie Run put down her brush, "With a mix of truth and falsehood, no one can figure out the truth, which makes people hesitate to act rashly."

"The people in Clear Bamboo Court are tight-lipped. If the news really came from Clear Bamboo Court, then it's meant to confuse everyone, meaning Concubine Li is likely really pregnant."

"But if it's Concubine Lu... what does she gain?"

The psychology and motives of others were easy to guess.

Except for this Concubine Lu.

Concubine An herself kept a low profile, let alone her maids.

At least before Concubine Lu seduced the prince (literally 'climbed into bed'), no one in Prince Jing's mansion had paid attention to such a little maid, so naturally no one knew her true nature.

Xie Run thought for a moment, "From now on, Concubine Lu will probably visit Concubine Li even more frequently."

She stayed in the courtyard all day, only able to listen to these gossip tidbits.

Since she couldn't figure it out now, she couldn't be bothered to rack her brains.

Anyway, no matter what these people were plotting, there would come a day when their true colors would show.

Xie Run's guess was correct.

After this day, Concubine Lu indeed visited Concubine Li more frequently.

From what Xie Run could tell, Concubine Lu just dropped by Concubine Li's place every day, purely visiting out of boredom.

After hanging out for an hour or two, she'd head back to her own yard for meals, as punctual as punching the clock at work.

On the winter solstice, the snow finally let up for half a day, which was rare.

Xie Run had eaten a bit too much at lunch, so she planned to go out for a walk.

Between Spring Mountain Court and Clear Bamboo Court, there was a bamboo grove with very flat terrain and unique scenery.

She wore a jade hairpin in the shape of a crabapple blossom in her hair, put on a blue-and-white silk dress with wide sleeves and silver trim, and her bun was a bit off-center, giving her an elegant and dignified appearance.

At her ears were exquisite ruby drop earrings.

Against the snowy backdrop, they looked like two droplets of blood, making her fair, charming face stand out even more.

Xie Run was in a rare playful mood and plucked a bamboo leaf, causing the snow on the bamboo to shake down in a flurry, kicking up a puff of snow.

Startled, Dan Tao and Xiaoshu quickly moved to shield her.

After a moment, they said helplessly, "Mistress, what if the snow falls on you?"

Xie Run said with a grin, "It won't."

"I checked when I pulled it. There's only one bamboo branch above me, so even if some snow falls, it'll only be a tiny bit."

She said this with a glint of eagerness, as if she wanted to feel the snow on her skin.

Xie Run touched her belly. "Too bad, I can't have a snowball fight this year."

Yueya'er laughed. "Mistress, we could have a snowball fight for you to watch!"

Xie Run smiled. "Good idea. But we should do it back in the courtyard—it wouldn't be appropriate out here."

Mainly because she was worried about accidents.

The young maids were all excited.

Just then, Concubine Lu and her maid Cuique left Qingzhu Pavilion.

When she saw Xie Run's group, she looked a bit surprised.

Concubine Lu stepped forward with her maid and bowed. "Your servant greets Concubine Xie."

"Rise." Xie Run took the hand warmer from Dan Tao and hugged it, glancing at Concubine Lu. "Sister Lu and Sister Li seem close."

"Not at all." Concubine Lu, not daring to be too casual, replied with a forced smile, "It's Sister Li who doesn't look down on me, so she's willing to keep me company."

Xie Run nodded, then suddenly asked, "Will you come again tomorrow, Sister Lu?"

Concubine Lu's smile stiffened. She had no idea why Concubine Xie was suddenly asking.

Was Concubine Xie displeased with her?

Concubine Lu gave an awkward laugh. "As for tomorrow, I'm not sure myself. If I'm busy, I might not be able to come."

She was just a concubine. If Prince Jing didn't come, what could she be busy with?

Xie Run pretended not to catch the inconsistency in Concubine Lu's words.

"It's freezing—what if you slip and hurt yourself? I'm a bit concerned for you, Sister Lu."

Concubine Lu smiled. "I'm used to walking around and chatting—I'm not worried about that."

"Then I'm asking too much."

"Not at all." Concubine Lu said cheerfully, "I'm very grateful for your concern, Lady Xie."

Xie Run shook her head with a laugh. "You sure have a sweet tongue."

After a few words, Concubine Lu made ready to leave with her attendants.

Just two steps in, she slipped and fell. The maids on either side quickly caught her.

Xie Run instinctively called out, "Watch out!"

Just as she was about to step forward, Zihu silently held her back.

Xie Run turned and glanced at Zihu, who shook her head.

So Xie Run stayed put and instructed Hongxi and Luzhi, "You two, go help Sister Lu up and check if she's hurt."

Luzhi and Hongxi went forward and helped Concubine Lu up.

Concubine Lu was a bit embarrassed.

Right after Xie Run worried about her falling, she went and fell herself.

The timing couldn't have been more embarrassing.

She quickly waved to Xie Run. "Thank you for your concern, Lady Xie. I'm fine."

"Please don't come over—the ground's slippery."