Born of the Second Wife

Chapter 12

When they arrived at Fengqi Palace, Ming Ziheng was still laughing. A hint of helplessness flashed across He Yun Liancheng's handsome eyes. Ming Ziqi could be so crazy that even he, a grown man, could barely stand it, let alone a young lady raised in seclusion. He had only helped that young lady out of consideration for her situation, not because he had any romantic feelings as Ming Ziheng had assumed. However, he had never been one to explain himself. Let Ming Ziheng laugh if he wanted to; he would go about his business as usual.

Yu Xinlan didn't want to get involved with these powerful nobles, so she deliberately walked very slowly. The eunuch had no choice but to slow down and wait for her. By the time they reached Fengqi Palace, He Yun Liancheng and the two princes were already out of sight.

Once inside Fengqi Palace, the unpredictable events Yu Xinlan had expected didn't occur. The empress merely had them kneel and pay their respects from outside the main hall, across a beaded curtain. The empress casually asked her about the construction of the greenhouse and then dismissed the eight - person group to return to Huiyan Palace. Although the princes were sitting behind the curtain, the empress didn't ask them a single question. This made Yu Xinlan feel much more at ease.

After waiting outside Huiyan Palace for an hour, Yu Xinlan was sent out of the palace. Lady Wang, who held the title of a second - rank imperial consort, had to stay in the palace to attend the birthday banquet. However, outside the palace, Yu Xinlan received what felt like a time - bomb - a large nanmu wooden box sent by the Fourteenth Prince's men, claiming it was a reward from the empress. Since it was in the empress's name, she could only express her gratitude and accept it. But she worried that it might be the Fourteenth Prince's own idea, which could bring her a lot of trouble. So, as soon as she returned to the mansion, she had the wooden box carried directly to the Old Lady's Meiyuan Courtyard to seek her help.

Inside the wooden box was a set of twelve jade items with gold - wire - inlaid flowers, including jade plates, bowls, cups, saucers, chopsticks, dishes, and a jade ruyi.

Yu Xinlan was familiar with jade. At a glance, she could tell that these were top - grade suet jade pieces. They were smooth and greasy, semi - translucent, and the walls of the jade bowls, cups, and saucers were only about one - millimeter thick, allowing light to pass through completely. The bodies of the bowls were adorned with gold - wire - made hibiscus branches in a folding - branch pattern, which was extremely exquisite.

The Old Lady Yu praised it several times in succession. Her old eyes sparkled with great surprise. "These are the works of Master Hedong. His works are always only for the imperial palace. Girl, you've got a very decent dowry set."

Yu Xinlan immediately felt like she had received a hot potato. Before she could say anything, Ziling lifted the curtain and entered with a smile to report, "The Third Miss and the Fifth Miss are here to pay their respects to the Old Lady."

The Old Lady smiled and said, "Didn't you pay your respects this morning?"

Yu Xinlan thought to herself that they must be here on a spying mission.

Yu Mei and Yu Lin entered shortly after and curtsied to pay their respects. The Old Lady quickly told them to take a seat.

The twelve jade items were arranged in a long row on the kang, extremely eye - catching. The two legitimate young ladies, being knowledgeable about such things, were immediately astonished. Yu Mei, trying to maintain the demeanor of a lady from a noble family, cast a glance over them. Although she was extremely curious, she didn't rush to speak. After all, she had her younger sister.

Sure enough, Yu Lin picked up a jade bowl and said coquettishly, "Old Lady, why do you hide such good things? Are you afraid that Lin'er will ask for them?" After looking at the inscription on the bottom of the bowl, she exclaimed in surprise, "Made by Master Hedong?" Then she immediately shot a jealous look at Yu Xinlan. There was no need to ask; it must be a reward Yu Xinlan had received from the palace.

The Old Lady smiled and said, "Yes, it was rewarded by the Fourteenth Prince on the empress's orders."