Cao Yin carried Ao Lang as he sprinted, choosing the most remote places to go.
"Cao Yin, where are we? What a desolate and secluded place, in the bustling palace where songs and songs overlapped, there was actually such a place.”Ao Lang looked around, a cold wind blew on his face. Even someone like him who was used to life and death felt a chill.
"This is Yong Lane, which is the Cold Palace. It was usually unfrequented, so it was relatively safe. It should be possible to climb over the wall and leave the palace from here.”Cao Yin brushed past the darkness in front of him and answered softly.
" Meow…" Suddenly, a black cat jumped down from the roof. It let out a shrill cry and then slowly walked past. It was even more arrogant than a human.
Cao Yin and Ao Lang could not help but be shocked. They immediately stopped and looked around vigilantly.
The sound of the rustling wind swept across the alley, and a light white shadow suddenly floated out. Ao Lang and Cao Yin turned their heads unintentionally, and were suddenly startled, and their hair stood on end.
"Who is it?" Cao Yin stood protectively in front of Ao Lang, his right hand gripping the hilt of the sword in the scabbard at his waist.
"BenGong is Wan Fei Niangniang. Who are you?" The white shadow let out a faint voice, gentle yet graceful.
Cao Yin immediately heaved a sigh of relief and knelt down to pay his respects." I, Cao Yin, pay my respects to Consort Wan.”
" Hehe…It's been a long time since I've heard someone call me that…And no one has ever bowed to me like that…" The woman in white slowly squatted down and picked up the black cat, holding it lovingly in her arms. Her slender fingers stroked its smooth and shiny fur. Her eyes were lonely and empty, but she had a pair of extremely beautiful drooping eyebrows. However, under her pale face, she seemed to be a woman who had lost all interest in life.
"Where are you going? This place is very remote and dark. On account of your humble act just now, let bengong lead the way for you.”Concubine Wan turned around and left after saying that. Her figure drifted in the darkness like a cluster of ghost fire, faintly discernible.
" This…" Cao Yin hesitated.
"Let's go!" Ao Lang made up his mind and followed. Cao Yin was embarrassed and could only follow.
Consort Wan walked quickly, perhaps because she was familiar with the terrain, or perhaps because she was used to finding her way in the dark. Cao Yin and Ao Lang, these two martial artists, were almost unable to catch up to her in a short period of time. After walking for quite a while, the white-robed Concubine Wan finally stopped. She turned around and said to them faintly," The Mass Grave is just over here. The bodies of the palace maids, eunuchs, and concubines who were tortured to death are all thrown there. Although it's a little eerie, it's very safe. I don't think anyone will find out. You guys should leave quickly.”
" Oh..." Cao Yin clearly saw a trace of red blood at the corner of her mouth. Although he responded, he was uneasy. He walked forward cautiously and patted the dilapidated wall with his hand. A lot of dust fell down and choked him.
" Then we…" Ao Lang was about to ask Concubine Wan again, but when he turned around, her white figure was nowhere to be seen. She had almost disappeared in an instant. Ao Lang felt his spine go numb. He said coldly," Cao Yin, let's go."”
"Yes." Cao Yin then carried Ao Lang and leaped up. Borrowing the water tanks in the corner of the wall, he landed on the top of the wall with a whoosh.
With a whoosh, the two of them jumped over the wall and landed on the ground.
" Cuckoo…" A rooster crowed from somewhere far away, and Xie 'er suddenly woke up.
She raised her head and rubbed her eyes. She suddenly felt that the morning light had just broken through, and a few wisps of light were sifting through the carved window. Only then did Xie 'er realize that she had been lying on the table in Cao Yin's room for the entire night. Her back immediately ached, and she could not straighten her back for a moment.
Xie 'er struggled to get up." Ah!" She exclaimed," If I remember correctly, Nanny Zhu is going to lecture me again this morning! " Oh no, if I miss the time again, won't I be punished even more severely than yesterday…" Xie 'er was restless and quickly opened the door and ran away.
Although it was her first time entering the palace and she was unfamiliar with the people in the palace, it was an urgent matter and she could not care less. She had to put down her face and ask the palace maids and eunuchs along the way. She searched for the original route and ran non-stop. Finally, she arrived in front of Chuxiu Palace in time.
The beautiful women were already standing in line, waiting for Nanny Zhu to come and lecture them.
Xie 'er glanced around and quickly saw her sisters. She quickly went up to them, panting for a long time.
"Xie 'er, where did you go?" Zi Xun asked softly.
"I'm fine. I got lost outside and slept the whole night. It's fine, it's fine." Xie 'er waved her hand.
"Xie 'er, you're so nice. The cornbread from yesterday was really delicious.”Heng Jun was moved as he stuck his head out to look at Xie 'er.
"It's a small matter." Xie 'er said with shame.
"Xie 'er, last night…Are you alright?”Liu Yan asked in a gentle voice.
" I'm fine. But you, you're so weak. Last night…" Xie 'er was about to ask more when Nanny Zhu came.
They immediately fell silent.
"Lasses, you woke up so early today. Your appearance, steps, and actions are much more neat than yesterday. It seems that you have learned something by putting in some effort. You're worth teaching, you're worth teaching." Nanny Zhu laughed until her fierce-looking face trembled, making her look even more terrifying.
"Today, I will teach you how to walk in the palace, sit upright, kneel down, pay respects, and how to answer your superiors. Listen carefully. If you don't remember every word and sentence today, you'll suffer in the future!”Nanny Zhu restrained her smile and scolded sternly.
All the female cultivators were shocked and quickly lowered their heads, answering,""Yes, Granny Zhu…"
"Good, it's good that you understand. Aunties, please lead the servant girls of each room to practice separately.”After saying that, Nanny Zhu turned around and sat down leisurely on a large chair.
"Yes, Granny Zhu." The aunties then led their maids away and began to preach and demonstrate on the empty space in front of Chuxiu Palace. Nanny Zhu held a cup of tea in her fat hand and sipped on the hot tea leisurely. From time to time, she would glance over.
The first and second houses stood side by side. Wanzhen would occasionally cast a provocative glance at the sisters in Xie 'er's room. The other sisters also looked aggressive, and the atmosphere was like frost.
Aunt Ah Lu ignored him and continued to lecture him with her long, sharp mouth.
Although Aunt Ah Gan was fat, she patiently taught them one by one. Naturally, Xie 'er and the others quickly learned how to walk, sit, and kneel. The sisters were all very diligent in learning, afraid of missing any important details, so they practiced repeatedly. Seeing this, Mrs. Zhu felt gratified and nodded silently.
Nanny Zhu shifted her gaze to the girls in Wanzhen's room and frowned. They were all absent-minded, their eyes wandering around, occasionally listening to Ah Lu's lecture, and the rest of the time they were playing with each other. Nanny Zhu pursed her lips, looking a little unhappy, but she did not immediately flare up. She just quietly observed the other girls in the other rooms.
After about the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Nanny Zhu saw that everyone was almost done with their training. She stood up and slowly walked to the middle of them. Seeing this, all the aunties quickly stood still, and all the beautiful women did the same.
Nanny Zhu swayed her fat buttocks and walked between them. Her sharp eyes swept over them sharply, and everyone shuddered. She slowly walked behind them and suddenly patted Wanzhen on the shoulder. Wanzhen trembled in fear and her face turned pale. Nanny Zhu said with a faint smile," You, step forward."”
"Yes, yes." Wanzhen was frightened and walked out in a panic.
"And you." Nanny Zhu patted Xie 'er's shoulder again.
"Yes." Xie 'er's heart sank, but she pretended to be indifferent and stepped forward.
Nanny Zhu nodded slightly and looked at Xie 'er and Wanzhen. They were silent and lowered their eyes. Nanny Zhu then selected a number of beautiful women from each room.
"Your performance is the best among the various branches. Now, you can walk together and let your good sisters learn how to walk with the Palace Steps.”Granny Zhu said loudly.
"Yes." The beautiful women waved their silk handkerchief and bowed.
Wanzhen, Xie 'er, and the other women that had been chosen from the other rooms all stood in a row.
"Let's go." Under Nanny Zhu's command, they all stepped forward in unison. The group of people were all elegant and graceful. They looked around and swayed gently, like the willows in spring, floating as if they were flying.
The sisters were all amazed. Nanny Zhu nodded in satisfaction and turned to them." See?" This was the way a woman in the palace should walk. You all should learn from him."
Wanzhen glanced at Xie 'er and saw that she was walking slowly without looking sideways. She immediately felt like she was being persecuted. She quickly glanced at Nanny Zhu and saw that she was not paying attention. When Xie' er took a step forward, she deliberately stretched out her leg and tripped her.
"Ah!" As expected, Xie 'er cried out in alarm. Her palace shoes lost their balance, and her entire body staggered a few steps before she fell backward. Seeing that she was about to fall heavily to the ground, Xie 'er closed her eyes. Her heart felt as if it had been hollowed out, and she did not know what to do.
Just as Wanzhen was snickering, a jade-like hand suddenly came from behind to support Xie 'er. Xie 'er had yet to recover from her shock when she heard everyone kneeling down and kowtowing in a low voice." Greetings, Concubine Tong. Concubine Tong, good luck…"
Wanzhen was scared out of her wits, and she fell to the ground.
Xie 'er was also frightened. Seeing everyone's frightened expressions and hearing Consort Tong's name, she quickly knelt down.
"Kaka." Concubine Tong's enchanting voice was like a thread of silk that was rapidly wrapped around everyone's throat. It was rather intimidating without being angry.
None of the young ladies dared to get up immediately. They stole a glance at Granny Zhu and saw that she was slowly getting up. Only then did they obediently stand up with their eyes lowered. However, all of them lowered their heads and did not even dare to breathe loudly. The atmosphere froze for a moment.
Wanzhen collapsed to the ground, her face ashen with fear. She didn't dare to stand up for a long time.
Concubine Tong walked past her without even sweeping her eyes. Suddenly, she looked back and said coldly," You can get up too."”
" Yes, yes, yes…" Wanzhen struggled to get up as if she had been pardoned. However, her legs went soft. Seeing this, Pei Lan quickly went up to support her.
Concubine Tong's makeup was bright and charming, just like a crabapple tree standing in the wind, swaying with vitality. The corners of her lips curled up slightly, full of disdain. Then, he glanced at the beautiful girl and stood there gently. He turned to Nanny Zhu and said," Nanny Zhu, how's the discipline?”
"Replying to Consort Tong, today is only the second day of entering the palace and I have only started learning basic etiquette.”Nanny Zhu respectfully followed behind Consort Tong and nodded.
"Ke ke, it's only the second day and bengong coincidentally bumped into that little scheme in your hearts.”Concubine Tong smiled slightly, lighting up the fragrance around her, but it made people's hearts tremble. She suddenly raised her voice," Remember this, all of you. If the women in the palace want to receive favor and kindness for a long time, they don't rely on those little tricks. They rely on their step-by-step efforts."”
Concubine Tong said faintly, her eyes glowing with pride. She turned to Eunuch Huang and said," Have you plucked all the daphne flowers that Concubine Wan planted in the imperial garden? BenGong can't bear to see those mortal flowers and wild grass dirty my eyes.”
Eunuch Huang nodded with a fawning smile." They were all removed according to the Empress's orders. They were all replaced with the Empress 'favorite Begonia.”
Concubine Tong's lips curved into a charming smile as she said," Rui Xiang is a flower's villain. Among the flowers, Haitang was the most enchanting.”
"He is the most suitable for the niangniang. I haven't put the flowers on this morning, so this servant will accompany the niangniang.”Eunuch Huang glanced at Concubine Tong's hair and bowed.
The beautiful women listened with their eyes lowered, not daring to make a sound.
"Learning the most basic court etiquette is the most crucial step. As for the rest, I have to comfort them a little…" Concubine Tong's voice was soft. She was escorted by the palace maids and slowly sat down on a high seat. The corners of her eyes twitched, and she faintly raised her hand." You guys go again and let me take a look." Watch carefully before we leave."
Eunuch Huang nodded and swept a glance at them. Nanny Zhu hurriedly ordered," Ladies, let's go!”
" Yes…" Xie 'er and the others obediently agreed. Then, they straightened their posture and walked away.
Concubine Tong did not even look at it. She only lowered her head and casually played with the long golden jade armor on her fingers. The row of armor inlaid with purple jade with spring colors appeared bright and dazzling under the light, dazzling people's eyes and showing the supreme honor and favor.
"Empress, the Empress wishes to see you." A young eunuch came over and whispered into Concubine Tong's ear.
"Hmm, since that's the case, let's go to Kun Ning Palace first. It's not too late to hairpin flowers later." Concubine Tong snapped her fingers impatiently, then stood up and left.
" Farewell, Concubine Tong…" Everyone knelt on the ground and let out a long sigh of relief.
Cao Yin returned to his room and saw that Xie 'er had already left. He did not know if she was safe, so he was worried and went out to look for her. Walking to the imperial garden, she quickly bumped into the Emperor, who was accompanying the Empress to leisurely admire the flowers and take a walk.
"This official Cao Yin greets the emperor, greets the empress.”Cao Yin knelt down and bowed.
"Cao Yin, you're not on duty today, so why are you still in the palace?”The Emperor asked and gestured for him to get up.
" Your Majesty, I…" Cao Yin hesitated and glanced at the Empress. Just as he was about to speak, the Emperor stopped him." Alright, you wait in the royal study first. I'll be there soon."”
"Yes, Your Majesty." Cao Yin calmed down and slowly retreated.
"Emperor, you must be tired from walking. Come, ChenQie will help you to the QinFang Pavilion to rest for a while.”The Empress asked gently.
"Alright." The Emperor also smiled and nodded. The atmosphere was harmonious and peaceful.
They walked into the pavilion slowly, hand in hand. They saw that warm tea and fresh snacks were already prepared in the pavilion. There were all kinds of refreshments. The Emperor then reached out to pick up a piece of rose cake and took a light bite. He only felt that it was very smooth and dense, and his smile became even wider. He turned to the Empress and said," The Empress is thoughtful."”
"ChenQie should have done her best to serve the emperor, but the emperor's words are too much for ChenQie.”the empress said humbly.
"Hehe, which concubine in the palace is as meticulous as you?”The Emperor held the Empress's hand and looked at her gently. For so many years, although the Empress was often unknown and did not fight or snatch, she had done her best to help him and kept the harem in order. She also tried her best to take time to serve him. She was well-rounded and never asked for anything in return. Over the years, he had been busy with government affairs and had not had the time to care for her. She did not know when a few fine lines had appeared at the end of her eyebrows, but it could not reduce her gentle and charming face.
The Emperor looked at the Empress 'makeup and was momentarily stunned. His heart was moved and he couldn't help but raise his hand to tidy her hair. The Empress blushed and lowered her head shyly.
" Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Your Majesty…" Concubine Tong spoke in a delicate voice. She was already kneeling in the pavilion.
The Empress suddenly realized that she was in a dream. She quickly looked up and smiled awkwardly. The Emperor also withdrew his hand and turned to Consort Tong." Beloved Consort, please rise."”
" Thank you, Emperor, thank you, Empress…" Concubine Tong smiled charmingly and was helped up by the palace maids.
"Come, sister, sit." The Empress gently raised her jade-like hand and pointed to the seat on the Emperor's right, indicating for Consort Tong to sit down.
"Thank you, Sister." Concubine Tong's beautiful eyes glanced at him, and she responded gently before slowly taking her seat.
"Sister, how's Xiunu's training?”The Empress asked with concern.
"Replying to elder sister, ChenQie just came from Chuxiu Palace and felt that this year's beauty was graceful and beautiful. They were really tall and delicate, fat and thin, each leading a thousand years. Each and every one of them is so clever and quick-witted. It's only the second day of entering the palace, and they walk so well. Even I, the Empress, am inferior to them.”Concubine Tong's tongue was like a lotus flower as she sang.
The Empress became more and more delighted when she heard this. She nodded slightly, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She looked up at the Emperor and was about to say something when she saw that the Emperor's eyes were wandering around, completely absent-minded. She couldn't help but frown slightly.
" Your Majesty…Your Majesty…" The Empress called out softly.
"What's wrong?" The Emperor finally came to his senses and asked blankly," What's the matter, Empress?”
"Elder sister is rejoicing at the beauty of this year's beauties, emperor.”Concubine Tong covered her mouth and laughed.
"Oh. With the two beloved concubines in charge, Zhen is very assured.”The Emperor smiled awkwardly and placed his hands on the Empress and Consort Tong's hands, glancing at them.
The Empress lowered her eyes delightedly. Although Consort Tong was smiling, a trace of coldness flashed across her face.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]