The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress-Chapter 1089 - 1063: Glory in the Chaotic World 131_2
Qi Nanxue placed the fruit on the table, and the Qi Family grabbed him: "Nanxue, if, if you get to meet a noble in the palace, you must plead, even if you have to break your head, you must request to enter the imperial manor. If any of those nobles are willing to protect you for a while, you...could find a way to live."
"I know."
Qi Nanxue smiled reassuringly at the Qi Family.
But he knew in his heart that the hope was slim. After all, why would the nobles in the palace care about someone as lowly as him? Even if he were to die in front of them, they probably wouldn’t even spare him a glance.
No matter what, the day to enter the palace finally arrived.
Early in the morning, Lv Changhe woke everyone up and had them wash up thoroughly, as if he wished they could shed a layer of skin.
Moreover, starting from last night, Lv Changhe made them eat lightly. Anything with onions, ginger, garlic, or any pungent smells was forbidden, not even eggs, fearing that one’s mouth might carry a foul odor.
In the morning, everyone only ate steamed white rice, without any dishes, swallowing it down dry, and only having a little bit of water to drink afterward.
Entering the palace was unlike anywhere else; one must be careful in everything and avoid drinking too much water, lest one needed to use the restroom and caused issues.
Serving the nobles was never easy, and it often required enduring much hardship.
Lv Changhe knew these things well and explained them little by little to Qi Nanxue and the others.
Once they were ready, he led them onto the carriage to enter the palace.
The ministers and nobles all entered and exited the Imperial Palace through the main gate or side gates, but for Lv Changhe and the others, it was unimaginable to pass through the main gate. They were led to the corner gate at the back, which was narrow. Each one entered, undergoing scrutiny by the guards to prevent anything inappropriate from being smuggled into the palace.
After finally being checked thoroughly and entering through the palace gate, Lv Changhe reminded everyone: "Inside, be cautious. No one is allowed to wander or look around. Don’t speak unless necessary, understood?"
Feeling tense and afraid, they all trembled and responded that they understood.
Lv Changhe then led them straight to the theater building.
Along the way, Qi Nanxue only realized how immense the Imperial Palace was. They walked for a long time, but he dared not look at the scenery or know where they had passed.
They arrived at the backstage of the theater, where there were several rooms for the theater troupe to rest and apply makeup.
Lv Changhe instructed everyone to sit and rest for a while, waiting for the time to be decided, then hurriedly get into makeup and change into costumes.
Everyone found a place to sit. Qi Nanxue sat in a corner, closing his eyes to gather his thoughts.
With his eyes closed, he contemplated the song he was about to perform, how to sing it well, how to express himself, and how to present his posture.
As he was pondering, he felt the atmosphere in the room change.
"Quick, get up, Princess Fengyang has arrived."
Lv Changhe rushed in, urging everyone to prepare quickly.
Qi Nanxue hurriedly stood up, keeping to the back; he didn’t want to draw attention.
However, due to his height, even at the back, he could clearly see the situation in the room.
About fifteen minutes later, they heard footsteps approaching, along with the jingling of adornments.
The doors were wide open, and a fragrant breeze wafted in, carrying a light, pleasant scent.
With one whiff, Qi Nanxue knew it must be made from particularly expensive incense.
He thought, what a noble the princess must be.
Yet, entering with the fragrance weren’t the princess, but eight handmaidens.
All eight wore green dresses made from fine fabric, with embroidered flowers at the hems, adorned with pearls and precious ornaments.
These handmaidens were exceptionally striking; any one of them displayed outside would captivate with their appearance, demeanor, and grace.
The eight stood at corners, and shortly thereafter, a somewhat charming yet melodiously sweet voice was heard: "Steward Lv, no need to mind me, let everyone do as they would. I’m merely here to take a look, to see if you’re ready, if there’s anything you need."
Following the voice came another scent, this one subtle yet intoxicating.
Upon smelling it, Qi Nanxue’s heartbeat quickened, sweat forming in his palms.
He lowered his head, feeling somewhat ashamed, unable to muster the courage to look upon the Golden Branch Jade Leaf who was about to enter.
Qi Nanxue had heard much about Princess Fengyang.
He knew she was the youngest daughter of Your Majesty and the Empress, the most beloved princess, and more so, he knew she had won Your Majesty’s favor; sometimes Your Majesty would even bring Princess Fengyang to court. It could be said that whatever the princess desired, Your Majesty would find a way to grant it.
This princess was not just the Golden Branch Jade Leaf; she was the apple of Their Majesties’ eye, the most revered being.
In the theater, Qi Nanxue often heard talk of the princess, many saying how she lived, some saying she was spoiled and willful, others describing her lavish lifestyle, like how the Cloud Silk material that others vie for would likely be deemed insufficiently smooth for bedding by the princess, or how the princess’s handkerchiefs needed to be made from silk gauze, and her garments were intricately woven by the best weavers from Jiangnan.
Some claimed she played with thumb-sized South Pearls as marbles, others said she dined on gold and jade.
All in all, Qi Nanxue had heard countless tales about Princess Fengyang; knowing she was exalted beyond compare, untouched by any earthly dust.
As the footsteps drew nearer, the fragrance grew more enticing.
Soon, Qi Nanxue heard the gasps of those beside him.
He couldn’t help but glance up.
With that glance, Qi Nanxue turned pale, quickly lowering his gaze.
He had imagined Princess Fengyang’s appearance many times, knowing she must be very beautiful and noble.
But never did he imagine she could be so stunningly beautiful.
Princess Fengyang was very fair, yet favored wearing red garments, which made her skin appear even paler, almost to the point of transparency.
Though young, she was not short, very slender, almost fragile-looking, and her attire was light, accentuating her slender figure.
Princess Fengyang’s features were exquisite and sculpted, her eyes radiant, with gleaming waves carrying hints of coolness; her brows were slightly thick, while her lips were pale, yet this paleness didn’t render her to appear bland; rather, contrasted by her red attire, it enhanced her aura with a sharp, untouched solitude.
Qi Nanxue thought, if there were a Heavenly Maiden in this world, it might well be the princess.
No wonder Your Majesty and the Empress adored her so; such a Heavenly Pride Girl, anyone would love.
