Palace Fighting: Naive Concubines' Ascent to Power-Chapter 498 - Intricate and Transparent

Her eyes glanced past the people and the direction behind her, sensing something unusual, her thoughts spinning rapidly, and with a smile, she said, "Exactly, Beauty Zhao suggested a stroll today given the lovely weather, but I have been waiting for a while, and yet Sister has not arrived. She must be on her way soon."

She explained her reasons for being there clearly and in detail.

Hu Miaomiao still smiled, her thoughts inscrutable.

He nodded happily in agreement, "Attendant and Beauty Zhao really have a fine taste for enjoyment, the autumn scenery is truly splendid. Taking a walk in the Imperial Garden surely brightens the mood, no wonder I see the Attendant in such high spirits, probably because her mood is as beautiful as this scenery."

Changzai Zhou laughed heartily, jesting, "Talking to you always lifts the spirits, even if one’s mood isn’t great, hearing your words improves it somewhat. I really wish Sister Zhao could hear what you’ve said, her brows have been furrowed lately, unable to relax. She probably arranged this stroll with me as a way to ease her mind."

"The Attendant is too kind, it is your naturally open and cheerful disposition, not my doing. Don’t worry too much, Attendant, today is a fine day, and surely Beauty Zhao, after a leisurely walk, will feel as joyful as you."

"Let’s hope so. I truly wish the best for her, and when she arrives, I’ll offer her comfort as well."

The two of them bantered back and forth, laughing and talking as if they had met before, conversing fluently, with Changzai Zhou clarifying her relationship with Beauty Zhao throughout their exchange.

Hu Miaomiao’s face was full of smiles, but glancing at the sun, she suddenly remembered something and said with a bow, "Oh dear, seeing the Attendant made me forget myself, without realizing it, I’ve disturbed you for a while. We won’t bother you any longer, shall we take our leave now?"

Changzai Zhou nodded with a smile, showing no interest in asking about Hu Miaomiao’s origins or destination.

Hu Miaomiao also smiled, gave a curtsy, and took her people down another path.

Once their figures had completely disappeared, the smile on Changzai Zhou’s face faded slightly, her expression thoughtful.

Beauty Zhao arrived late, and before she even approached, she began to apologize from afar, "Little Sister Zhou, Sister had something to attend to just now and was delayed. Please don’t be upset."

Turning to look at the newcomer, Changzai Zhou’s smile remained as before, though it hid a touch of iciness.

She didn’t suggest the usual slower pace as other days, but instead watched the approaching figure closely, as if trying to discern something.

In the palace, she had thought Beauty Zhao, despite her opportunism, was somewhat sincere, but she realized she had misjudged her.

If her guess was right, the plump eunuch from earlier was one of His Majesty’s men, and it seemed like he had just completed a task at Canglan Court.

Being seen waiting here made it seem intentional on her part.

She boldly surmised that it must have been orchestrated by her dear Sister, Beauty Zhao. It was too deliberate, forcing her to suspect there was more to it.

Could it be that Beauty Zhao had done something that was discovered, intending to use her as a scapegoat?

Additionally, who was that person the eunuch was blocking? They seemed like an outsider, head bowed to conceal their face, and they didn’t walk like they belonged in the palace.

This point was indeed worth pondering deeply.

Concealing her internal deliberations, she kept her smile as warm as ever, saying, "Sister Zhao, you’re not late at all, I have also just arrived not long ago."

Beauty Zhao approached with a face full of apology, breathing slightly heavily as she touched her chest and patted it, "I’m already nearly a quarter of an hour late, it’s my fault, Sister. I had someone arrange to meet you at this time, but just as I was about to leave, I spilled water on my clothes. After hastily changing into another set, that’s what caused the delay."

Changzai Zhou looked at Beauty Zhao, who showed no signs of disturbance, and tidied her disheveled hair for her, "Sister, there’s no need to say such strange things. We are as close as sisters; what does it matter if we wait a little?"

After exchanging a few more words, they walked hand in hand toward the Imperial Garden, followed by their Palace Maids.

Their voices still carried faintly:

"Little Sister, the outfit you’re wearing today really suits the scenery."

"If Sister likes it, I have some extra fabric back at my place. I’ll have someone send it to you later."

"Then, I won’t stand on ceremony with you. Oh, why haven’t I seen Liu Ying recently?"

"Ah... she’s ill. I don’t know where the poor girl caught it from, but she broke out in itchy red rashes. Even after seeing the Imperial Physician, it hasn’t improved. She’s scratched herself raw, oozing pus everywhere - it’s quite desperate. I had no choice but to move her out of the palace."

"Ah, that’s really distressing. But Little Sister, don’t take this the wrong way, Sister says you might be too lenient. If those red rashes were contagious, wouldn’t that be terrible? You should have had her isolated as soon as she showed symptoms... You’re just too kind-hearted..."

Their voices faded away as they walked further into the Imperial Garden.

Hu Miaomiao hurried along, having personally escorted Lin Yuejuan out of the palace gates, arranged for a careful escort to take her back, then hurried back to report at the Star Palace.

When Hu Miaomiao requested an audience, the Emperor was in the process of changing into his casual palace attire, with Zhang Qing and a few eunuchs assisting him.

The Emperor had already received the news early on that his Little Concubine and Clan Aunt’s meeting had gone without incident, with just a bit of reluctance to part. Nothing else occurred, and the Emperor, who had been worried that his Little Concubine would become agitated upon seeing her relatives and recall something unpleasant, was relieved that it didn’t happen.

In the future, he considered allowing his Little Concubine to see more of her relatives. When the time was right, he would also arrange a meeting with Mr. Lian, to put her mind at ease.

However, hearing that his Little Concubine had asked about her Clan Aunt’s parents and brothers, he couldn’t help but feel a heavy heart.

As soon as Hu Miaomiao was called in, before she could speak, the Emperor glanced up and asked, "Is the person sent out of the palace?"

"Your Majesty, she has been sent out. There are two lads openly escorting her, and another two secretly following to ensure her absolute safety," said Hu Miaomiao with a full-bodied bow.

Now fully dressed, Zhang Qing stooped and softly called out, "Your Majesty, you are ready, but the headdress still needs to be changed..."

The Emperor set aside what he was holding, walked to the stool in front of the table, and sat down, saying indifferently, "Continue."

Hu Miaomiao followed and added, "Picking up the person went rather smoothly. We came across some sneaky people, and I had them dealt with. However, on the way out of the palace with Madam Lian, I ran into Changzai Zhou, who said she was meeting Beauty Zhao at a crossroads and was waiting there, so I exchanged a few words with her."

At this point, Hu Miaomiao paused as if finding the whole thing rather amusing, "It’s quite interesting with Changzai Zhou; she’s a clear and sharp person. She had never seen me before, yet we had a very cheerful conversation. She didn’t inquire who I was, what I was in charge of, or where I was going on my errand. Even upon seeing Madam Lian, she didn’t ask an extra question. Whatever I said, she followed along, explaining her reason for being at that place quite clearly. Truly an intriguing person."

His words about Changzai Zhou were like talking to Beauty Zhao – he said everything but appeared as if he meant nothing. All the consorts in the palace are masters of their own right, and he dared not rashly pass judgment.