At first glance, Consort Xian did not like Hua Liuli, but she thought that the other party couldn't become her daughter-in-law anyway, so she calmed down mentally.
She warmly greeted Hua Liuli to take a seat. There were not many women present, except for a few Royal Princesses and Consort Xian's relatives.
In the plum forest, there were also several young gentlemen dressed in splendid clothes, composing poems and painting. Hua Liuli glanced at the snowflakes floating in the air and held the hand warmer tighter. It was really difficult for the young gentlemen in the capital to write and paint in such cold weather.
"Your Highness, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went to the large camp in the suburbs today. Although he can't come back now, he sent a lot of things for you," Consort Xian's personal palace maid whispered to Consort Xian, "Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince replied and said they will come over later."
Consort Xian nodded slightly to indicate her understanding. She looked towards Hua Liuli, who was sitting not far away, with a slightly furrowed brow.
It's better if Hao'er doesn't come. This girl from the Hua family has some beauty. If Hao'er falls for her beauty and wants to marry her as a Wangfei, it will be troublesome.
The table in front of Hua Liuli was filled with fruits and pastries, but she only took a sip of tea from the cup, while the fruits and pastries remained untouched.
"Xianzhu, is the pastry not to your liking?" The Second Princess, who was sitting next to Hua Liuli, noticed and looked at her with concern, "If you don't like it, I can have the chef make something else for you."
Since her birth mother passed away and she didn't have any biological siblings, she deliberately showed her closeness to Consort Xian and Ying Wang, whom Consort Xian raised for two years in their childhood, to avoid appearing weak to others.
She showed goodwill towards Hua Liuli, which also represented the attitude of Consort Xian.
"The pastries are all good. It's just that this humble servant has a weak constitution and should not indulge in tea or food," Hua Liuli smiled, "Thank you, Princess, for your kind offer."
The Second Princess didn't expect Hua Liuli's health to be so weak. She felt it was regretful that Hua Liuli's parents and brothers were all valiant figures, but Hua Liuli herself, with her outstanding appearance, was not suitable to be a Wangfei due to her weak physique.
"I heard that the Hua family is full of brave warriors who can single-handedly take on hundreds of enemies. How did Hua Xianzhu end up with such a frail body?" A girl in a pink palace dress, Jiamin Junzhu1It means Commandery Princess, her rank is just above Hua Luili, but is below the Second Princess (Since the Second Princess is the Emperor's daughter. That's why I am not addressing Junzhu and Xian Zhu as Princesses to avoid any confusion). Hua Luili is only a Xian Zhu, which means County Princess, asked in a straightforward manner, seemingly unaware that her words might be inappropriate.
"This is Jiamin Junzhu, the youngest daughter of Princess Shunan. She has a straightforward personality and doesn't speak with ill intent. Hua Xianzhu, please don't take it to heart," The Second Princess explained quickly, afraid that Hua Liuli might misunderstand. Princess Shunan doted on Jiamin Junzhu in particular, allowing her to develop a carefree character. Sometimes she would unknowingly hurt others with her words.
As they were all relatives of the imperial family, coupled with the fact that Jiamin Junzhu didn't mean any harm, they would pretend not to hear if they heard something unpleasant on ordinary days.
"Thank you, Jiamin Junzhu, for your praise of this humble servant's family," Hua Liuli pretended to be strong and smiled, "When this humble servant was born, there was a group of bandits disguised as merchants who infiltrated the city."
As she spoke, tears welled up in Hua Liuli's eyes, and she choked up, "Fortunately, my mother discovered it early and saved the people from disaster. But at that time, my mother was pregnant with me and almost suffered a miscarriage after confronting the bandits. She endured great pain and torment when giving birth to me, almost losing her life due to difficult labor."
"I burdened my mother even before I was born, which is truly unfilial. If the people suffered because of this, I would have been a sinner before I even came into the world." Speaking of this, Hua Liuli, overwhelmed by sadness, covered her chest and almost couldn't catch her breath.
"Xianzhu, the physician has already said that you must not be emotionally agitated. Please take care of your health." Yuan Yi took out a small medicine bottle, took two pills from it, and fed them to Hua Liuli before gently patting her chest.
"Y-You..." Jiamin Junzhu was taken aback by Hua Liuli's sudden illness. After a long while, she complained, "I didn't say anything. Who are you trying to impress with this act?"
"Jiamin Junzhu is right, it's all my fault," Hua Liuli leaned against Yuan Yi, her voice extremely weak.
Jiamin Junzhu, who had a straightforward personality, felt a sense of frustration for the first time. When she heard Hua Liuli say, "Jiamin Junzhu is right, it's all my fault," she felt an inexplicable anger rise within her, but she had nothing to say.
"Jiamin Junzhu, the Great General's wife is as capable as any man and has made great contributions to the protection of our Great Jin's people. It's very impolite for you to say such things," Consort Xian's face grew serious, "You are the daughter of Princess Shunan. I, as a Consort, should not be lecturing you. But as our Great Jin's Junzhu, even if you speak without a filter, you should understand what you shouldn't say."
Not to mention that it was Jiamin Junzhu's fault today, even if it wasn't, Consort Xian would still stand on the side of the Hua family's girl. Otherwise, rumors like "Consort Xian mistreated General Hua's daughter when she brought her into the palace" would spread tomorrow.
"Please, Your Highness, don't blame Jiamin Junzhu. She is not wrong. I am indeed the most useless descendant of the Hua family," Hua Liuli raised her head, revealing a weak yet resilient smile, "Fortunately, my father, brothers, and mother treat me very well. They did not despise me because of my weakness. They are my pride, as they protect and defend Great Jin."
Indeed, everyone in her family is protecting and defending the country, even to the extent of getting into premature labor due to protecting the people. And now, someone dares to ask this pitiful child why her whole family is so capable, while she was the only one dragging them down?
How despicable and narrow-minded one must be to say such words?
The people present looked at Jiamin Junzhu with strange expressions. The noble gentlemen who composed poetry and recited verses in the plum forest also couldn't help but feel sympathy for the delicate and kind-hearted Xianzhu.
Jiamin Junzhu felt so frustrated that she almost spat blood. In the past, if someone argued with her, others would think that person had a narrow mind. But today, this Xianzhu kept saying "It's not her fault", so why does she feel like she suffered a great loss?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She pushed the tea snacks on the table and walked towards the plum forest.
This undoubtedly made Consort Xian lose face. She didn't show it on her face but casually remarked, "Jiamin Junzhu has grown up, but her temperament has become more resolute than when she was a child."
Hua Liuli smiled and remained silent. She enjoyed engaging in friendly conversations with straightforward and well-meant girls.
"Your Highness, Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince have arrived."
In this somewhat awkward atmosphere, the arrival of Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince was like a timely rain.
Prince Ning had a slightly chubby figure and a somewhat simple and honest smile. Compared to him, the Prince standing beside him was like the bright moon in the sky, a precious jade in a rock. He appeared as if he was a painting even in casual standing.
Hua Liuli felt that many women's eyes in the room lit up, including those who were already married.
The Fifth Prince seemed unaware of the gazes of the womenfolk. He walked up to Hua Liuli and elegantly bowed to her, "This must be General Hua's beloved daughter?"
Hua Liuli, supported by Yuan Yi, stood up and returned the courtesy, "I greet Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince."
"No need for excessive courtesy," Prince Ning walked over, smiling at Consort Xian, "Your Highness, with talented scholars and beauties present today, you should make the feast more sumptuous."
"I know you enjoy good food. I have already prepared everything," Consort Xian smiled and exchanged a few words, instructing the palace attendants to prepare the feast.
The feast was arranged in a warm pavilion on the upper floor, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery without being chilled by the wind. Consort Xian was afraid that Hua Liuli would fall ill from a slight breeze, so she specifically arranged a place sheltered from the wind for her.
The dishes prepared by the palace chefs are exquisitely presented. Even the names are carefully chosen and filled with poetic and artistic sentiments.
"This bottle of plum blossom wine, also known as Zhanluxiang2"Zhānlùxiāng" (沾露香) is a term used in the given context to describe a type of plum blossom wine. The literal translation of the term is "fragrance touched by dew." It refers to the process of brewing the wine using the accumulated snow on the plum blossom buds, resulting in a delicate and aromatic flavor., is brewed from the accumulated snow on the plum blossom buds. It carries a gentle fragrance that is not intoxicating," explained Consort Xian. She then turned to a palace maid and said, "Xianzhu shouldn't drink too much alcohol. Bring me the delicately crafted Linglong Night Glow Cup."
"The Linglong Cup was brought as a tribute by a diplomat from a small country. It not only has exquisite craftsmanship but also has the amazing effect of alleviating intoxication," Consort Xian smiled at Hua Liuli and said, "Considering your weak constitution, just taste it."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Hua Liuli watched as a palace maid replaced her wine cup and poured in half a cup of wine. She lifted the cup and caught a whiff of a delicate plum fragrance.
"Give it a try," Consort Xian was confident in the plum blossom wine she personally brewed that even the Emperor couldn't stop praising it.
Just as Hua Liuliu raised her wine cup, several eunuchs carrying boxes approached from outside. She didn't know who these eunuchs were, but she noticed that the smile on the Imperial Consort's face faded upon their arrival.
"Greetings, Your Highness," the leading eunuch bowed to Consort Xian, "We, servants, have come on the orders of the Crown Prince to deliver gifts to Hua Xianzhu."
Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow. They were looking for her?
She set her wine cup aside and looked at the eunuchs who were bowing to her. "May I ask who...?"
"Hua Xianzhu, we are palace servants serving in the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince greatly admires the valiant and extraordinary Great General, and upon hearing that Hua Xianzhu is visiting the palace to appreciate the plum blossoms, he specially ordered us to deliver some gifts as a gesture of first meeting," The eunuchs from the Eastern Palace seemed to forget that this was Consort Xian's residence and openly handed over the list of gifts and several boxes to Hua Liuliu's attendant, "The Crown Prince also said that if anyone purposely causes you trouble, feel free to send someone to look for him. He will help you vent your anger," The leading eunuch made a bow, "We won't disturb the distinguished guests' mealtime any further. We take our leave."
If it were any other man sending gifts to an unmarried woman, onlookers would definitely assume he had romantic intentions. But if the person doing it was the Crown Prince, no one in the room would suspect such motives.
Because the Crown Prince was not a normal man.
They even suspected that the Crown Prince intentionally sent gifts at this time, claiming to help Hua Xianzhu vent her anger, all to deliberately cause trouble to Consort Xian.
"Please convey my gratitude to the Crown Prince," Hua Liuliu pretended not to be aware of the conflicts between the Princes and sincerely expressed her thanks.
If a Consort who gave birth to the Emperor's Eldest Son was not the Crown Prince's mother, both parties would never get along.
A cold gust of wind blew in from outside the window, carrying a few plum blossoms, twirling in the air, and falling into the night-illuminating cup in front of Hua Liuliu.
Then she saw the white plum petals turn into an unattractive brownish-green color in the wine.
Oh no, something's wrong! There's poison in the wine!
At first glance, Consort Xian did not like Hua Liuli, but she thought that the other party couldn't become her daughter-in-law anyway, so she calmed down mentally.
She warmly greeted Hua Liuli to take a seat. There were not many women present, except for a few Royal Princesses and Consort Xian's relatives.
In the plum forest, there were also several young gentlemen dressed in splendid clothes, composing poems and painting. Hua Liuli glanced at the snowflakes floating in the air and held the hand warmer tighter. It was really difficult for the young gentlemen in the capital to write and paint in such cold weather.
"Your Highness, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went to the large camp in the suburbs today. Although he can't come back now, he sent a lot of things for you," Consort Xian's personal palace maid whispered to Consort Xian, "Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince replied and said they will come over later."
Consort Xian nodded slightly to indicate her understanding. She looked towards Hua Liuli, who was sitting not far away, with a slightly furrowed brow.
It's better if Hao'er doesn't come. This girl from the Hua family has some beauty. If Hao'er falls for her beauty and wants to marry her as a Wangfei, it will be troublesome.
The table in front of Hua Liuli was filled with fruits and pastries, but she only took a sip of tea from the cup, while the fruits and pastries remained untouched.
"Xianzhu, is the pastry not to your liking?" The Second Princess, who was sitting next to Hua Liuli, noticed and looked at her with concern, "If you don't like it, I can have the chef make something else for you."
Since her birth mother passed away and she didn't have any biological siblings, she deliberately showed her closeness to Consort Xian and Ying Wang, whom Consort Xian raised for two years in their childhood, to avoid appearing weak to others.
She showed goodwill towards Hua Liuli, which also represented the attitude of Consort Xian.
"The pastries are all good. It's just that this humble servant has a weak constitution and should not indulge in tea or food," Hua Liuli smiled, "Thank you, Princess, for your kind offer."
The Second Princess didn't expect Hua Liuli's health to be so weak. She felt it was regretful that Hua Liuli's parents and brothers were all valiant figures, but Hua Liuli herself, with her outstanding appearance, was not suitable to be a Wangfei due to her weak physique.
"I heard that the Hua family is full of brave warriors who can single-handedly take on hundreds of enemies. How did Hua Xianzhu end up with such a frail body?" A girl in a pink palace dress, Jiamin Junzhu1It means Commandery Princess, her rank is just above Hua Luili, but is below the Second Princess (Since the Second Princess is the Emperor's daughter. That's why I am not addressing Junzhu and Xian Zhu as Princesses to avoid any confusion). Hua Luili is only a Xian Zhu, which means County Princess, asked in a straightforward manner, seemingly unaware that her words might be inappropriate.
"This is Jiamin Junzhu, the youngest daughter of Princess Shunan. She has a straightforward personality and doesn't speak with ill intent. Hua Xianzhu, please don't take it to heart," The Second Princess explained quickly, afraid that Hua Liuli might misunderstand. Princess Shunan doted on Jiamin Junzhu in particular, allowing her to develop a carefree character. Sometimes she would unknowingly hurt others with her words.
As they were all relatives of the imperial family, coupled with the fact that Jiamin Junzhu didn't mean any harm, they would pretend not to hear if they heard something unpleasant on ordinary days.
"Thank you, Jiamin Junzhu, for your praise of this humble servant's family," Hua Liuli pretended to be strong and smiled, "When this humble servant was born, there was a group of bandits disguised as merchants who infiltrated the city."
As she spoke, tears welled up in Hua Liuli's eyes, and she choked up, "Fortunately, my mother discovered it early and saved the people from disaster. But at that time, my mother was pregnant with me and almost suffered a miscarriage after confronting the bandits. She endured great pain and torment when giving birth to me, almost losing her life due to difficult labor."
"I burdened my mother even before I was born, which is truly unfilial. If the people suffered because of this, I would have been a sinner before I even came into the world." Speaking of this, Hua Liuli, overwhelmed by sadness, covered her chest and almost couldn't catch her breath.
"Xianzhu, the physician has already said that you must not be emotionally agitated. Please take care of your health." Yuan Yi took out a small medicine bottle, took two pills from it, and fed them to Hua Liuli before gently patting her chest.
"Y-You..." Jiamin Junzhu was taken aback by Hua Liuli's sudden illness. After a long while, she complained, "I didn't say anything. Who are you trying to impress with this act?"
"Jiamin Junzhu is right, it's all my fault," Hua Liuli leaned against Yuan Yi, her voice extremely weak.
Jiamin Junzhu, who had a straightforward personality, felt a sense of frustration for the first time. When she heard Hua Liuli say, "Jiamin Junzhu is right, it's all my fault," she felt an inexplicable anger rise within her, but she had nothing to say.
"Jiamin Junzhu, the Great General's wife is as capable as any man and has made great contributions to the protection of our Great Jin's people. It's very impolite for you to say such things," Consort Xian's face grew serious, "You are the daughter of Princess Shunan. I, as a Consort, should not be lecturing you. But as our Great Jin's Junzhu, even if you speak without a filter, you should understand what you shouldn't say."
Not to mention that it was Jiamin Junzhu's fault today, even if it wasn't, Consort Xian would still stand on the side of the Hua family's girl. Otherwise, rumors like "Consort Xian mistreated General Hua's daughter when she brought her into the palace" would spread tomorrow.
"Please, Your Highness, don't blame Jiamin Junzhu. She is not wrong. I am indeed the most useless descendant of the Hua family," Hua Liuli raised her head, revealing a weak yet resilient smile, "Fortunately, my father, brothers, and mother treat me very well. They did not despise me because of my weakness. They are my pride, as they protect and defend Great Jin."
Indeed, everyone in her family is protecting and defending the country, even to the extent of getting into premature labor due to protecting the people. And now, someone dares to ask this pitiful child why her whole family is so capable, while she was the only one dragging them down?
How despicable and narrow-minded one must be to say such words?
The people present looked at Jiamin Junzhu with strange expressions. The noble gentlemen who composed poetry and recited verses in the plum forest also couldn't help but feel sympathy for the delicate and kind-hearted Xianzhu.
Jiamin Junzhu felt so frustrated that she almost spat blood. In the past, if someone argued with her, others would think that person had a narrow mind. But today, this Xianzhu kept saying "It's not her fault", so why does she feel like she suffered a great loss?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She pushed the tea snacks on the table and walked towards the plum forest.
This undoubtedly made Consort Xian lose face. She didn't show it on her face but casually remarked, "Jiamin Junzhu has grown up, but her temperament has become more resolute than when she was a child."
Hua Liuli smiled and remained silent. She enjoyed engaging in friendly conversations with straightforward and well-meant girls.
"Your Highness, Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince have arrived."
In this somewhat awkward atmosphere, the arrival of Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince was like a timely rain.
Prince Ning had a slightly chubby figure and a somewhat simple and honest smile. Compared to him, the Prince standing beside him was like the bright moon in the sky, a precious jade in a rock. He appeared as if he was a painting even in casual standing.
Hua Liuli felt that many women's eyes in the room lit up, including those who were already married.
The Fifth Prince seemed unaware of the gazes of the womenfolk. He walked up to Hua Liuli and elegantly bowed to her, "This must be General Hua's beloved daughter?"
Hua Liuli, supported by Yuan Yi, stood up and returned the courtesy, "I greet Prince Ning and the Fifth Prince."
"No need for excessive courtesy," Prince Ning walked over, smiling at Consort Xian, "Your Highness, with talented scholars and beauties present today, you should make the feast more sumptuous."
"I know you enjoy good food. I have already prepared everything," Consort Xian smiled and exchanged a few words, instructing the palace attendants to prepare the feast.
The feast was arranged in a warm pavilion on the upper floor, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery without being chilled by the wind. Consort Xian was afraid that Hua Liuli would fall ill from a slight breeze, so she specifically arranged a place sheltered from the wind for her.
The dishes prepared by the palace chefs are exquisitely presented. Even the names are carefully chosen and filled with poetic and artistic sentiments.
"This bottle of plum blossom wine, also known as Zhanluxiang2"Zhānlùxiāng" (沾露香) is a term used in the given context to describe a type of plum blossom wine. The literal translation of the term is "fragrance touched by dew." It refers to the process of brewing the wine using the accumulated snow on the plum blossom buds, resulting in a delicate and aromatic flavor., is brewed from the accumulated snow on the plum blossom buds. It carries a gentle fragrance that is not intoxicating," explained Consort Xian. She then turned to a palace maid and said, "Xianzhu shouldn't drink too much alcohol. Bring me the delicately crafted Linglong Night Glow Cup."
"The Linglong Cup was brought as a tribute by a diplomat from a small country. It not only has exquisite craftsmanship but also has the amazing effect of alleviating intoxication," Consort Xian smiled at Hua Liuli and said, "Considering your weak constitution, just taste it."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Hua Liuli watched as a palace maid replaced her wine cup and poured in half a cup of wine. She lifted the cup and caught a whiff of a delicate plum fragrance.
"Give it a try," Consort Xian was confident in the plum blossom wine she personally brewed that even the Emperor couldn't stop praising it.
Just as Hua Liuliu raised her wine cup, several eunuchs carrying boxes approached from outside. She didn't know who these eunuchs were, but she noticed that the smile on the Imperial Consort's face faded upon their arrival.
"Greetings, Your Highness," the leading eunuch bowed to Consort Xian, "We, servants, have come on the orders of the Crown Prince to deliver gifts to Hua Xianzhu."
Hua Liuli raised an eyebrow. They were looking for her?
She set her wine cup aside and looked at the eunuchs who were bowing to her. "May I ask who...?"
"Hua Xianzhu, we are palace servants serving in the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince greatly admires the valiant and extraordinary Great General, and upon hearing that Hua Xianzhu is visiting the palace to appreciate the plum blossoms, he specially ordered us to deliver some gifts as a gesture of first meeting," The eunuchs from the Eastern Palace seemed to forget that this was Consort Xian's residence and openly handed over the list of gifts and several boxes to Hua Liuliu's attendant, "The Crown Prince also said that if anyone purposely causes you trouble, feel free to send someone to look for him. He will help you vent your anger," The leading eunuch made a bow, "We won't disturb the distinguished guests' mealtime any further. We take our leave."
If it were any other man sending gifts to an unmarried woman, onlookers would definitely assume he had romantic intentions. But if the person doing it was the Crown Prince, no one in the room would suspect such motives.
Because the Crown Prince was not a normal man.
They even suspected that the Crown Prince intentionally sent gifts at this time, claiming to help Hua Xianzhu vent her anger, all to deliberately cause trouble to Consort Xian.
"Please convey my gratitude to the Crown Prince," Hua Liuliu pretended not to be aware of the conflicts between the Princes and sincerely expressed her thanks.
If a Consort who gave birth to the Emperor's Eldest Son was not the Crown Prince's mother, both parties would never get along.
A cold gust of wind blew in from outside the window, carrying a few plum blossoms, twirling in the air, and falling into the night-illuminating cup in front of Hua Liuliu.
Then she saw the white plum petals turn into an unattractive brownish-green color in the wine.
Oh no, something's wrong! There's poison in the wine!
