PNB Chapter 586 The Emperor was stunned.
Chapter 586 The Emperor was stunned.
By the time we arrived at Anshanfang, it was nearly 9 PM, and the lights in every household were gradually going out.
Chen Lin led his horse alone through the desolate streets, looking lost and dejected, like a wandering ghost.
If Meng Shu hadn't pleaded for his life with Madam Yun back then, he might still be living in the Marquis's villa, an unknown guard under his master. He might be assigned to some secret mission at any time, or he might disappear without a trace one day, as if he had never existed.
It was she who showed him kindness upon their first meeting, not only teaching him to read but also giving him a name. The purse he received upon parting remained the only warmth in his heart for many years to come.
It was she who, before accompanying the Second Miss into the Prince's Mansion, gently pushed him away from his predetermined path. It was precisely because of this that, after leaving the Marquis's Mansion, he heeded Zhou Bai's advice and embarked on a different path.
Join the army and earn merit.
He did want to be closer to her.
She also harbored another thought: that, like Zhou Bai, she could one day become someone he could rely on.
Even if his shield can never truly protect her.
But tonight, his senior sister's words were like wedges, making Chen Lin hesitate for the first time about the position he had fought so hard for.
He was caught in a dilemma, unsure of what to do.
This proves it perfectly: the player moves only a fingertip, and all the pieces on the board rise and fall accordingly.
Chen Lin's fate may shift or collapse in the blink of an eye tonight.
......
As October arrived, Consort Chun had been in charge of palace affairs for some time, and the long-silent harem gradually resumed its morning and evening greetings.
On the first and fifteenth of each month, Consort Chun, accompanied by other concubines of the rank of Pin or above, would visit Cining Palace to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager. On the remaining days, the concubines would visit Huining Palace, where Consort Chun resided, to pay their respects every three days.
On the fifteenth of the month, Consort Meng Shu and the other concubines, along with Consort Chun, paid their respects at Cining Palace and then returned together to Huining Palace for a chat.
Zhao Baolin was still under house arrest, and Lin Cairen had taken leave due to her injury. The remaining Baolin and Cairen were waiting in the front hall early in the morning.
Inside the flower hall, everyone took their seats in order.
Yun Meiren kept her eyes down, avoiding eye contact with Meng Shu. She couldn't explain why, but every time she saw Meng Shu, she felt inexplicably uneasy, as if her thoughts had already been seen through by the other woman with a single glance.
"How is Consort Lin's injury? Has it improved?" Consort Chun asked.
Caihe knelt down on behalf of her mistress to pay her respects, "Your Highness, I am much better now, but... but the scab on the wound on my neck has not yet fallen off, and I feel that I am not presentable enough to go out and see people."
Upon hearing this, Consort Shun said, "I have some ointment that my father sent from the northern frontier. Xiaodie, send a box to Zhaoqing Palace later. Go back and tell the lady that as long as she applies it for a few days, it should not leave a scar."
The medicine was sent by the Grand Commander and must be very effective. Caihe was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly on behalf of her master.
Unlike the late Empress Jiang, Consort Chun disliked those insincere formalities. Seeing that no one reported anything unusual, she waved her hand and said, "Disperse, everyone. Winter is coming. All the provisions and supplies for each palace have been prepared. If there is a shortage of charcoal or winter clothing, have someone report it to the Shanggong Bureau."
Her gaze swept calmly over the crowd: "It's cold and the year is drawing to a close; it's best to stay calm and peaceful. Everyone should keep to their place and avoid causing unnecessary trouble."
Everyone responded in unison and left the hall in order.
Meng Shu had something to discuss with Consort Chun, so she lagged behind and didn't rush to leave.
Consort Chun took her hand and said, "There's no rush to go back. I'll have Mingyue fetch Yu Nu'er over. She can have lunch here with me."
Meng Shu smiled and agreed, "Alright. The light from the window is just right, how about we play a couple of rounds?"
There was no reason for Consort Chun not to agree.
The early winter sun shone through the paper, softly carpeting the floor. The two sat facing each other by the window, and after some polite refusals, Consort Chun, holding the black pen, went first.
Seeing that her mistress wouldn't get up anytime soon, Ruizhu secretly exchanged a glance with Lvliu. The two tiptoed to the corridor and went hand in hand to the warm pavilion behind the side hall.
The hall was utterly silent, save for the soft tapping of chess pieces.
Consort Chun placed a piece on the board, then suddenly looked up, suppressing a laugh as she pursed her lips: "I heard from Ruizhu that the Emperor went to your place yesterday."
Meng Shu's hand, holding a white chess piece, hovered above the chessboard. Upon hearing this, she could easily discern the mischievous intent in her words.
She gently placed the chess piece on the edge of the corner, suppressing a laugh as she replied, "I cannot disobey the emperor's command, so I have no choice but to reluctantly participate."
It was just last night when the Emperor, for some reason, suddenly felt a surge of interest and insisted on hearing her play the pipa. Meng Shu repeatedly declined, saying she was "not musically literate," but the Emperor took it as a humble excuse and persisted. Unable to refuse, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and, under his expectant gaze, take the pipa.
It definitely bounced.
And indeed, it completely stunned the emperor.
Meng Shu was only knowledgeable in music, having mastered six out of seven orifices but not the other one.
Consort Chun covered her lips with her sleeve, her shoulders trembling slightly: "Tell me quickly, what piece of music was played?"
"What else could it be? All I know is the 'Ambush from Ten Sides' technique that Mr. Lin taught me back then."
As soon as she finished speaking, Consort Chun laughed so hard she grabbed the edge of the chessboard. She could almost picture the scene. The music, which should have been full of battle cries and the clash of swords, would inevitably turn into a cacophony of shrill sounds in Meng Shu's hands, the strings stumbling and falling like an old ox.
"Very well." Consort Chun finally caught her breath and comforted him, "What kind of beautiful music hasn't His Majesty heard? But your 'ambush from all sides' will probably stay with him for many years to come."
Seeing her laughing like that, Meng Shu couldn't help but laugh too.
Just then, Mengzhu came in to serve tea. Seeing the two ladies so happy, she felt relieved as well.
After laughing and joking for a while, Meng Shu gradually stopped laughing and was about to speak.
Consort Chun seemed to know what she was thinking, and placed her chess piece first, saying softly, "Shu'er, don't worry, I know you're worried about Lord Zhou."
She looked up at Meng Shu, her gaze clear, "Although Father and Mother are shrewd in their actions, they are also very good at weighing things. Since they know the bond between you and me, they will not act rashly."