Chapter 25: Legend of Zhen Huan, An Lingrong

Yanxi Palace.

"It is freezing cold; why on earth are we out here looking at plum blossoms?" Xia Dongchun complained. "And we can't even refuse to go. What a stroke of bad luck."

"Indeed," Noble Lady Fucha frowned, her tone laced with unease. "I only hope nothing untoward happens."

"Who knows?" Xia Dongchun echoed her anxiety. "Everyone knows the snow and ice make the paths slippery. Dragging us out here to view blossoms at a time like this—one has to wonder what the Empress is truly plotting."

Li Siqi responded nonchalantly, "Whatever you think she is plotting, that is exactly what she is plotting."

"Noble Lady Xin, do you know something?" Noble Lady Fucha looked at her, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Over the past few months, she had unknowingly come to regard Li Siqi as a reliable ally. She understood clearly that the reason the three masters of Yanxi Palace had managed to live in peace was primarily due to her. Knowing that Li Siqi genuinely looked after her and Xia Dongchun, she was more than willing to follow her lead.

"How would I know anything?" Li Siqi offered an innocent smile. "We are together all day and never leave Yanxi Palace. How could we possibly know what is happening outside?"

Noble Lady Fucha smiled upon hearing this, not believing a word of it.

Xia Dongchun glared at her. "If you don't know, then why are you spouting nonsense?"

"Who is spouting nonsense?" Li Siqi rolled her eyes. "I am merely following your line of thought. Since you know that going out in this weather to view plums is a recipe for disaster, do you think others are unaware? The Empress is insisting that everyone go out now precisely because she is waiting for something to happen to you. As for who ends up being the unlucky one, that depends entirely on individual fortune."

"That is true," Xia Dongchun nodded. "If trouble is destined to find us, we must all be careful." She glanced at Li Siqi again. "You have always had plenty of clever ideas. This time, help us find a way to avoid any accidents. I will send you a gift of appreciation later."

Though she was somewhat dim-witted, she was not entirely brainless. Furthermore, having been tutored day and night by the matrons sent by the Emperor, even a pig would have become a bit sharper by now. She knew deep down that An Lingrong—Li Siqi—was protecting her and Noble Lady Fucha, and she had come to treat them like sisters, speaking to them without any reserve or concern.

"Fine!" Li Siqi nodded with satisfaction. "You must send plenty."

Xia Dongchun’s parents doted on her, and her family lacked for nothing. When news of her pregnancy spread, the Xia family immediately sent her an abundance of gold and jewelry. If Consort Hua was the wealthy lady of the harem, then Li Siqi was the mini-tycoon. She had no qualms about fleecing her wealthy companions.

"Don't worry, you won't be short-changed!" Xia Dongchun snapped back, then turned to Noble Lady Fucha. "Noble Lady Tian, you should also bring out something to broaden her horizons; acting like a pauper all day is embarrassing."

"Certainly!" Noble Lady Fucha agreed readily. "I happen to have a small, exquisite coral bonsai. It was a gift from my elders for my birthday when I was a child. Noble Lady Xin, you may take it back with you later."

Li Siqi shook her head. "No, that is your birthday gift. How could I deprive you of what you love?"

Noble Lady Fucha waved a hand dismissively. "It is fine. It is only a small pot; I have another, much larger coral bonsai."

"As expected of a legitimate daughter of the Fucha clan—bold and wealthy," Li Siqi nodded. "Then I shall accept your generosity."

"Rest assured, we will not leave you wanting for anything good," Xia Dongchun said, eyeing her with feigned disdain as she twisted the knife. "If you appear too shabby, I would find it embarrassing myself."

"So what if I'm poor? It's not like I'm eating your rice," Li Siqi retorted before laying out her plans and arrangements.

In truth, these were merely surface measures. The real protection for everyone relied on Xiao Huzi. The eunuchs and maids of Yanxi Palace had all been consuming "strength-boosting pills." Though they lacked formal martial arts training, their sheer physical power was more than enough to handle a few ordinary people.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. At the time designated by the Empress, they set off toward the Yimei Garden. As Noble Ladies, they were not entitled to ride in sedan chairs. Even if they were, none of the pregnant ladies would have dared to do so at such a time. After all, no one was foolish; if one were to accidentally fall from a sedan chair, not to mention the risk of injury, the child would likely be lost. Thus, no one dared to gamble with their own pregnancy.

When the Empress received word of this, she was disappointed but did not let it show. The real show had yet to begin.

"The Empress has arrived!" Jiang Fuhai’s voice rang out.

The concubines hurried to line the path, bowing in unison. "We pay our respects to the Empress."

"Rise, sisters," the Empress said with a smile. Her gaze swept over the concubines present, and not finding Consort Hua, she furrowed her brows.

She quickly regained her smile. "The plum blossoms are in full bloom this year, and I thought it would be dull to admire them alone. Having you all here to enjoy them brings some life to these flowers blooming in the snow. A touch of red upon the snowy branches, and the laughter of beauties beneath them. It is a scene so enchanting that one feels as though they are in a painting with fairies. You are all so charming and beautiful; I shall have a feast for my eyes today, admiring a scenery unlike any other. Why don’t you all stroll about in pairs? If any of you compose a fine poem, I shall reward you handsomely."

No sooner had the Empress finished speaking than Zhou Ninghai’s voice was heard: "Consort Hua has arrived!"

Everyone looked over to see Consort Hua, attended by a throng of maids and eunuchs, strolling over slowly, step by step. Under the gaze of all, she stopped a few paces from the Empress and flicked her handkerchief. "I pay my respects to the Empress. The journey here was quite arduous. I hope the Empress will not blame me for being late. It seems the agreed-upon time has not yet passed, so I should not be considered tardy. Don’t you agree, Empress?"

"Consort Hua is certainly not late," the Empress greeted her with a smile, acting as if she were truly unbothered by the slight. She continued graciously, "I was just speaking with the others. You may all move about as you please. The Yimei Garden is not large, but it is enough for everyone to enjoy themselves. If you fancy any blossoms, you may have the eunuchs cut them for you to take back for your vases. As long as you are all enjoying yourselves, my good intentions will not have been in vain."

"The Empress is truly kind-hearted!" Consort Hua was unmoved and retorted directly. "On such a freezing day, insisting on dragging pregnant concubines out to experience the biting wind."

"What is that supposed to mean, Consort Hua?" The Empress frowned slightly. "Though the weather is somewhat cold, it is not as if we cannot go out. We sisters have finally gathered to enjoy ourselves; let us not have any talk that dampens the mood."