The First Empress - Chapter 71

Chapter 71 With Courtesy
Linglong couldn’t help but think nonsense. Just what was the matter with the Empress summoning her? Although she didn’t hear the intentions of being in a hurry from Zhu Qing’s tone, she had already made her attitude clear. She had to hurry over this time. Before Linglong could think about it, she had already let the palace people lead the way in front of Kun De Palace with bright yellow silk lamps.

He walked into Kunde Palace and it was already time for the lights to be lit.

When Ji Zhuhua saw Linglong coming over, he nodded slightly. “This time, you should go out to the Baohua Temple to have some incense. Don’t forget the little things I told you to do.”

“I don’t dare to forget. I went to Baohua Alley to buy spring rolls and various colored pastries. I won’t forget. Just rest assured, Your Highness.” Linglong was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to remember, so she asked Qin’er to remind herself that Ji Zhuhua’s expression changed slightly when she heard this. She said, “It’s good that you remember it. I still have a small matter to attend to. I’ll trouble you.”

“Your Majesty’s business is your concubine’s business. Just say it. Any concubine that Your Majesty likes outside will definitely be sent over to Your Majesty.” Linglong looked at Ji Zhuhua sincerely. Ji Zhuhua slightly looked to the side and said, “Well, I have eaten a lot of pastries in rare pastries since I was young. The old shopkeeper of rare pastries is also a good friend of my father. Now, the old shopkeeper is old. When I was young, the old shopkeeper said that if I ever make a breakthrough, don’t forget to give him something.” I didn’t expect that this old shopkeeper would actually be right. Now that his words are complete, I have owed this debt for more than ten years. Tomorrow, you will go help me … ”

“Your Highness wants to give something to the old shopkeeper. I will prepare it tomorrow.” Linglong hurriedly answered with understanding.

Ji Zhuhua was slightly dissatisfied. He shook his head and said, “The old shopkeeper is a person who likes to play with words and ink. Here are the Half Mountain Restaurant Xuan Paper and a precious inkstone from Huizhou that he paid tribute to the year before yesterday. Help this palace deliver it to the pastry shop.” Speaking of which, Linglong was already beating drums in her heart. Although she did not know the Empress’ original intention, it was unexpected that the ink, paper, and ink stone were connected to a pastry shop.

The Empress couldn’t help but smile when she saw the doubts on Linglong’s face. “He is just like your father. I also prepared a gift for your father. The rice paper in the river can be said to be unparalleled. Your father will definitely live up to it in his life.”

Linglong didn’t dare to ask any further, but nodded earnestly, “Thank you, Empress.”

The Empress thought of something and took a Golden Cuo Saber from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion behind her. “This saber is not bad either. You can give it to the old shopkeeper as well. Their pastry shop has always wanted a Golden Cuo Saber from the Imperial Palace. Now, I can still afford to give these small gifts to you.” Linglong nodded repeatedly, letting Qin’er catch these things.

Zhu Qing took out the two gifts that Ji Zhuhua had already prepared in the back hall. Linglong looked at the packaging outside and saw that it was identical, except the words on it were different. Linglong compared the package that she had brought to her home with another one, and the other one was sealed with fire paint …

Linglong did not understand, but her eyes still fell back. “This concubine will definitely not disappoint the Empress. These things will definitely be delivered to the old shopkeeper.”

“That’s good!” Ji Zhuhua nodded, “I owe the old shopkeeper a favor.”

“Do you remember? Don’t forget to gift this Golden Wrong Saber. Gift is light and affection is heavy. Do you understand?” Ji Zhuhua still asked worriedly. Linglong couldn’t help but glance at the Golden Cuo Saber. On the golden Cuo Saber, there were the words “Made by Emperor” and “Ji”. It was like a token. Linglong didn’t dare to think too much about it …

Ji Zhuhua seemed to have remembered something at this time. “There is one more thing that I know you won’t cause any complications, but I still want to tell you about Concubine Heshu …”

Linglong was surprised, but she soon understood, “He Shufei copied the Diamond Sutra and the Fahua Sutra in the Heavenly Prison of the Ministry of Justice every day.”

The Empress smiled and said, “You should say the same thing to Bu Hanlin. According to the Emperor’s intention, this matter cannot be publicized. Since you know it, you have to protect it. You must remember it.” Ji Zhuhua’s voice was filled with dignity. Linglong nodded her head, “It’s good that you don’t have to worry about these things. Your concubine will definitely protect this secret. Even if you lend me the courage, I will not say anything rashly about the imperial palace.”

“That’s good.” Ji Zhuhua looked at the sky and said, “You go. It’s getting late.”

Just as Linglong was about to walk out, Ji Zhuhua walked out of the gate. “Slow–” Ji Zhuhua’s face was ashen. A tense voice came from behind her. Linglong hurriedly turned around and said, “Is there anything else the Empress needs to instruct?”

The color on Ji Zhuhua’s face changed. Soon, it became gentle. “You must deliver the gift I sent you. Also, don’t tell the Emperor about this matter later. It was originally a small matter, do you understand?”

“This concubine naturally understands.” Linglong nodded obediently. Ji Zhu Hua gave her a nice reward, “Have you remembered the snacks I want to eat? You must have rare pastries. I don’t want any of the other pastry shops.”

“I understand.” Linglong smiled cunningly. Since when has Ji Zhuhua been so cautious? Isn’t it just a pastry? Which family is different?

In the evening, the Emperor indeed came over. He asked about the itinerary as well as the retainers. He was very happy to hear that Linglong had only arranged for thirty people. It would be fine if he dressed lightly like this. It would not be beautiful if he flaunted the market.

“Imperial concubines of the harem should not be arrogant. There was a precedent for assassination. You quietly returned after pilgrimage. It would be safer this way.” Huiqi nodded in agreement.

Linglong nodded, “This concubine knows.”

The Emperor’s gaze swept sideways across a golden saber and a wrapped paper and ink on the table, asking, “Did you just come from the Empress?”

Linglong nodded, “Your Highness has entrusted me with some matters. I sincerely hope that this concubine will properly pray to Dali for eternity. I hope that this concubine will forget about He Shufei after praying.” After Linglong finished her obedient reply, Hui Qi hurriedly withdrew her gaze and said, “I am also prepared to give you a small gift. It will be considered a token of my gratitude to send it to your Bu Manor.”

“This–yes.” Linglong could only nod. She always felt that the Emperor and the Empress were strange today.

Because of the time, Linglong woke up early the next day. The Empress also woke up early. Concubine De and Concubine Shun Concubine Rou also came over. Chen Chongyi and Princess Baoluo were standing at the side.

Shanggong Yuliu’s voice was still dripping. Beside Linglong was a soft pride parked in green mud. Huiqi held Linglong’s hand and said, “Pay attention to everything outside. Are the hidden guards you brought reliable?”

“Answer the Emperor’s question. Everything has been arranged. It’s good that the Emperor can rest assured.” Linglong lowered her head and wept bitterly. Huiqi smiled and said, “It’s only two days. Look at you. You’re crying.”

Linglong hurriedly stopped her grief. Huiqi looked at the concubines and said, “Talk to them. Don’t delay Jieyu’s journey. I’m going to the morning court.”

When Hui Qi walked far away, Linglong heaved a sigh of relief. Ji Zhuhua walked over and looked at Linglong and said, “Remember this palace’s instructions. The pastries of the rare pastries are very delicious, and none of the other pastries are good. You should also send the wrong golden saber over as well.”

“This concubine understands. It’s good that Your Highness can rest assured. This concubine can still remember a few trivial matters.” Linglong hurriedly nodded.

Seeing the light of dawn, Ji Zhuhua nodded and looked at the crowd, “Do you have anything to say?”

Chen Chongyi and Baoluo nodded. The two of them arrived beside Linglong. Chen Chongyi nodded and said, “Greetings to Lord Bu and Madam Bu.” Linglong nodded. When she saw the tears on Chen Chongyi’s face, she couldn’t help but be moved. “What are you crying about?” Chen Chongyi naturally did not bow deeply for the sake of sisterhood. Instead, she felt bitter in her heart. She had never been out of Zihua Palace since arriving at the Imperial Palace.

Bao Luo walked over and looked at the surroundings with concern, “Imperial Concubine Bu, remember to bring some food for Bao Luo. Bao Luo likes Qian Ji salted duck.”

Linglong scratched Bao Luo’s nose, “I know. You can rest assured. Imperial Concubine Bu will definitely remember it.”

Linglong turned around. The sun had already illuminated Zihua Palace’s palace walls and shone on this group of women. Linglong looked at everyone with her left and right eyes. Just as her gaze was about to sweep across Concubine De’s face, Concubine De suddenly moved the rosary in her hand. Linglong nodded her head as if her heart was connected. She closed her eyes for Concubine De and got on the green mud sedan.

The sedan chair passed through the long alley and was immediately carried out. Qin’er and Linglong sat in the same sedan chair to take care of Linglong. Linglong smiled and said, “This is also the first time in six years that I have walked out of here. I remember when I first came in, I felt that this palace wall was so tall, so …”

“Concubine, don’t be sad. It’s a joyous occasion. Being able to leave the palace is a good thing.” Qin’er smiled.

Linglong nodded, “It’s a pity that I can spend less time with my father. I still need to go to Baohua Temple to have some rare pastries.”

“Did Your Highness really dream of a female ghost with disheveled hair?” Qin’er asked, looking extremely puzzled.

Linglong laughed brightly, but the laughter stopped abruptly. “Am I not even afraid of living people? Am I still afraid of dead people?” Qin’er probably already knew what she was talking about and didn’t ask anymore. The sedan chair swayed out of Zihua Palace’s palace wall, looking exactly the same as an ordinary official’s family’s young miss traveling.

By the time Linglong walked out of the palace, the sun had already reached three poles.

Eunuch Lu walked to the upper study and saw that Huiqi was still marking the memorials, so he didn’t dare to go forward. Huiqi could already feel it and asked, “Is there anything else you don’t dare to say here?”

Eunuch Lu nodded. “Bu Jieyu has already walked out of Zihua Palace. Yu Lin Lang has already arranged it.”

Hui Qi nodded. The tip of Cinnabar’s pen drew a circle of imprints on the memorial. “If anything happens, report it immediately. Be careful.”

Eunuch Lu hurriedly retreated.