Chapter 129: Meeting Concubine Shu
Chapter 129: Meeting Concubine Shu
Master Chenxuan and Princess Qianying walked side by side in the Imperial Garden. When they came to the northwest corner of the Imperial Garden, they suddenly saw a small garden hidden in the garden. The garden was shaded by green trees, winding paths, pavilions and towers, and even more rare, it was full of various exotic flowers and plants, with a fragrant aroma. The two couldn't help but slow down their pace and appreciate the beautiful scenery around them.
When they approached the garden within the garden, they looked up and saw a plaque with two large characters written on it: "Chrysanthemum Garden".
Princess Qianying smiled slightly, turned to Master Chenxuan and said, "Lord Yang, now is the season when chrysanthemums are in full bloom. Do you want to go in and take a look?" There was a hint of anticipation in her eyes, and a faint blush appeared on her face.
Master Chen Xuan looked at her, his heart was moved, but he soon calmed down, and nodded slightly to show his agreement. Then, Princess Qianying took the lead and walked lightly into the Chrysanthemum Garden.
The two walked into the chrysanthemum garden together and were instantly attracted by the colorful chrysanthemums. The chrysanthemums in the garden were so beautiful that some petals were like silk, some were like hooks, and some were like balls. They were in various shapes and were beautiful. Their colors were also varied, red like fire, pink like clouds, white like snow, yellow like gold... It was really colorful and dazzling.
There are two pavilions in the chrysanthemum garden. From a distance, one of them is occupied. They look carefully and find that several concubines are there to enjoy the flowers. These women are dressed in gorgeous palace clothes, each of them is as beautiful as a flower, and they set off against the gorgeous chrysanthemums, forming a beautiful picture. They are standing or sitting, laughing or talking, enjoying this wonderful time.
When the two came closer, several concubines obviously noticed them, and they stopped what they were doing and turned to look over here. Princess Qianying took a step forward and greeted the leading concubine and bowed, "Madam Shufei."
Princess Qianying, as the eldest princess, was not required to bow to the concubines, and this behavior was just a sign of respect. Concubine Shu did not dare to be arrogant, she stood up and quickly bowed back, "Princess Qianying." At this time, the other two concubines of lower status also stood up and bowed to Princess Qianying. "Princess Qianying, how are you!"
Princess Qianying gave Consort Shufei a hand and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please don't be so polite. I am here on the orders of my father to receive the distinguished guests from Shun Country. I hope I have not disturbed your enjoyment of the flowers." After that, she glanced at everyone present and a gentle smile appeared on her face.
Concubine Shu's eyes flashed with a gleam of light. She looked at Master Chen Xuan, with the corners of her mouth slightly raised, with a meaningful smile: "Princess, you are too kind. I wonder if this is the famous Master Chen Xuan?"
Upon hearing this, Master Chenxuan bowed politely and replied respectfully, "I am Yang Chenxuan, the envoy of Shun State, nice to meet Her Majesty Shufei." His eyes were clear and bright, revealing a unique temperament and cultivation.
Concubine Shu nodded with a smile, her eyes revealing admiration: "Seeing is believing. I often hear Wei Jing talk about the name of Young Master Chen Xuan. Today I have the honor to meet him. He is indeed elegant and handsome!" Her words were full of praise for Young Master Chen Xuan.
Young Master Chen Xuan smiled slightly and responded modestly, "Your Majesty, you are flattering me. You were talking about the eldest son of the Yuan family in Lizhou, weren't you?"
Lady Shufei smiled with her hands covering her lips, a glimmer of joy in her eyes: "That's right, Wei Jing is my nephew's nephew, who came to the capital two days ago. If that child knew that he could meet Lord Yang here today, he would definitely regret not coming to the palace today."
Young Master Chenxuan's eyes flickered slightly, and his tone revealed a hint of surprise: "Oh? Brother Yuan has come to Beijing? Come to think of it, I haven't seen Brother Yuan for more than a year. Since Brother Yuan has come to Beijing, we have to get together." There was a hint of nostalgia and expectation in his voice.
"If Wei Jing knew, she would be very happy." Shu Fei has no children, and she has always loved her nephew from her mother's family. Yuan Wei Jing has always been very close to this aunt. Two days ago, Yuan Wei Jing went to the palace to tell Shu Fei about the Yuan family's plan, and hoped to get her support and help. Therefore, in the past two days, Shu Fei has been looking for the right time, hoping to meet Master Chen Xuan.
At this moment, Princess Qianying asked curiously, "Master Yang and Master Yuan are old acquaintances?"
Master Chenxuan smiled and explained, "I traveled around the world a few years ago and met Master Yuan by chance. We hit it off right away and had a great time talking, and we became good friends. But later I returned to Dashun and never saw Master Yuan again."
Princess Qianying suddenly realized what was going on and said with emotion, "So that's how it is. This is truly a rare fate!"
"Princess, Lord Yang, why don't you try this chrysanthemum tea? It was made by Ying'er a few days ago using freshly picked chrysanthemums and dried. It is combined with licorice and wolfberry to relieve heat and dryness." Concubine Shu personally poured two cups of flower tea for the two of them, and the maid Yin'er respectfully presented them to Master Chenxuan and Princess Qianying.
Master Chen Xuan took a few sips and praised: "This flower tea tastes fresh and elegant, sweet but not astringent. Your Majesty has great craftsmanship."
Although Concubine Shu was already over thirty years old, she was well maintained and did not look old. Hearing Master Chenxuan's praise, she smiled sincerely, her face became more beautiful, and a gleam flashed in her eyes. "If Lord Yang likes it, I still have a lot in the palace. Can I ask Yin'er to get some and send it to Lord Yang at the post station later?"
Young Master Chen Xuan stood up and bowed, "Thank you very much for your reward, Your Majesty."
Concubine Shu waved her hand and said, "It's not a valuable thing. I'm glad Lord Yang doesn't mind it. I don't deserve your thanks."
For a while, everyone was enjoying tea and flowers. It was almost noon, and the Second Prince hadn't shown up yet. It was not right for a man from outside to stay in the palace for too long, so Master Chen Xuan wanted to get up and leave.
"Empress Shufei, Princess Qianying, it's getting late. I have some matters to deal with at the inn, so I'll take my leave now." Young Master Chenxuan stood up and bowed.
Concubine Shu understood and said with a smile, "Since you have important matters to attend to, I will not stay any longer. Sir Yang, take care."
Princess Qianying seemed to be hesitant to speak, but in the end she said nothing. She just watched in silence as the man got up and left.
When Master Chen Xuan returned to the inn, he found that Concubine Shu had sent some beautifully packaged chrysanthemum tea. He took a look, his eyes darkened, and opened the most beautifully packaged box of tea. Sure enough, there was a note inside.
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