The Job Of An Imperial Concubine

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Zhuang Laoyan felt that Noble Lady Qian held an inexplicable enmity against her. However, the other party did not reveal this on her features at all. The three women made their way toward the imperial gardens, merely talking about unimportant matters.　

“Never had this concubine imagined that the flowering crabapples would still bloom so beautifully now,” said Noble Lady Qian, gaze falling upon such a flower before her. She appeared to be deeply moved. “Not long after this concubine entered the palace, this concubine could see the crabapples blossom.”　　

“When this palace entered the palace, it was snowing heavily in the capital. There weren’t such pretty flowers to admire.” A smile graced Zhuang Laoyan’s lips. “At that time, the older female servants brought this palace to Taoyu Pavilion. Coincidentally, this palace saw a branch of plum blossoms peeking through the palace walls. Before this palace could see it more clearly, the older female servants rebuked me. Until now, this palace still remembers what they said. Noble Lady Qian, do you know what it was?”　　　

To which Noble Lady Qian lightly shook her head.　　

“That older female servant said, ‘Master Zhuang, don’t let your eyes wander. Although those plum blossoms are beautiful, not just anyone can look at them. You have just recently entered the palace, so you have to look less, do less, and listen more.’” Zhuang Laoyan smiled. “This palace had been impetuous and did not take those words to heart. As such, this palace encountered much trouble.”　　

Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang knew of the time when Zhuang Laoyan had lost favor. She said, “Your Highness is now noble and of high station. Why must you recall those things of the past?”　　　　

Zhuang Laoyan glanced at Noble Lady Qian. “That’s right. In front of Noble Lady Qian, how could this palace ruin the mood?”　　

Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang smiled and sounded her agreement. Then, she continued on Zhuang Laoyan’s topic of conversation. 　　

Noble Lady Qian followed behind the other two women, watching in a detached manner as Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang curried favor with Xianrong Zhao. Her expression was somewhat unsightly. She wasn’t a fool. Naturally, she knew Zhuang Laoyan’s words were meant for her to hear. However, they were all women who served the emperor. Whoever was more noble was merely more favored.　　

Yesterday, someone was favored. Today, someone else. Who would be favored tomorrow was anyone’s guess.　　

“What’s wrong, Noble Lady Qian? Did you go silly from looking at the beautiful flowers?” said Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang, turning to her all of a sudden. “The clusters of flowers in the imperial garden are a sight for the eyes. Today, these are beautiful. Tomorrow, there will be ones even more so. Don’t go dizzy from the sight.”　　

Noble Lady Qian raised her head. She seemed to have seen the ridicule in Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang’s eyes.　　

After strolling through more than half of the imperial garden, Zhuang Laoyan received Noble Imperial Concubine Jiang and Noble Lady Qian’s respectful send off. Then, she returned to Xihe Palace.　　 

 While the palace maids helped her change into a luxurious dress, she said, “Later, have the personal kitchen make a bowl of Yulan Magnolia soup.”　　

Yunxi removed the hanging tassels from her temples. “Your Highness, in a while, you still have to accompany the emperor in watching the swing dances. Why must your hair pins be removed now?”　　　　

“What appearance of mine has the emperor not seen?” The corners of Zhuang Laoyan’s mouth curved slightly. She lay down on the chaise lounge. “Come give me a massage. Apart from flowers, the imperial garden doesn’t have much of anything else. Every day, people keep saying the word flower. Now, my vision is going dizzy.”