The Beloved Imperial Consort

Chapter 12

The Festival Of Xizhao.

Today xiunus had lectures only for half a day. They could spend the rest of time either by resting or decorate themselves for the coming poetry banquet held in the imperial garden that starts at the hour of You[1].

Mu Xi Yao put on herself simple yet elegant clothes today. The brocade upper garment had white-colored vine pattern embellishments while the long muslin skirt was of the blue-green shade. Near the edge of the skirt were dark flowers embroidered with silver threads. When she walked, the long skirt created gentle waves. As each layer of the skirt intertwined with one another, some of the thread reflected the silver light, adding a subtle extravagance to it.

She wore only one dangling hairpin which was ornamented as four butterflies that fluttered over a flower blossom. The hairpin was inlaid with cyan-colored gemstones. With its owner's every movement the tassels glittered brightly and the butterflies there seemed to spread its wings and soar. Her beautiful jet-black hair was loosely draped over her back, a knot was combed on the side and two-three blue-green orchids were randomly attached on it, creating a beautiful picture.

The most special item on her were two delicate apricot-white ribbons that hung on her waist, each of different length. At the ends were fastened furry cherry blossom ball decorations that adorned the maiden's delicate beauty.

Mu Xi Yao has been nurtured by the spiritual pills since she time-traveled here. Nowadays it was time for her womanhood to bloom. Her body was of a tall and well-proportioned build. The body-fitting silk belt emphasized her slender waist. Combined with the dress she wore today, she appeared even more graceful and airy.

Today she had put on her face a light make-up. Delicate and fair face, long and thick eyelashes, underneath them was a pair of black and vivid eyes that were like rippling autumn water. They seemed to hold thousand of words inside yet too shy to speak them out. The soft pink lips of hers were moist and plump, making people generate fanciful thoughts about them. She was indeed a charming maiden!

Mu Xi Yao was waving a circular fan with a landscape drawing with one hand and clutching onto her elder cousin's arm with the other, while beside her was Mu Xi Ting who was dressed in the same delicate and pretty manner as her. The three of them made each other company and together they marched toward the direction of the imperial garden. The high-spirited xiunus around them were also in the group of threes or fours. The atmosphere was bustling with excitement.

At the hour of You the poetry banquet started. The Yuancheng Emperor and Empress Dowager accompanied by the high-ranking consorts were seated inside the Chengxiang water pavilion. The rest of the imperial harem was placed outside the water pavilion on the left side whilst the imperial princes and their family members had seats reserved on the right side. All the princes that have reached the age of seven were present. Following were the seats of courtiers and scholars of the Imperial Academy.

On the prince's side.

The crown prince was surrounded by beauties. He has actually taken along with him five female members! Since the crown princess was expecting she did not attend the banquet. The first prince Zhong Zheng Chun was sitting aside with his princess consort and favorite concubine, enjoying their presence. The fourth prince Zhong Zheng Yun and fifth prince Zhong Zheng Ming were only accompanied by their princess consorts. Both pairs of husband and wife seemed to treat each other with respect. Zhong Zheng Lin, on the other hand, sat there upright alone at the back wearing a solemn expression. He was attended only by Wei Zhen who stood two steps behind him. At the rear was seated eighth prince Zhong Zheng Han who has just turned eleven years old but was already showing manners of a royalty.

Zhong Zheng Lin was in a good mood. Today he could perhaps 'meet' Mu Xi Yao. Zhong Zheng Lin was not bothered by the fact that he has already developed feelings for her yet she didn't even know about him.