Chapter 13 Grace and Spirit
585 Words
Siyu exclaimed, "Concubine, the difference between Qianqiu Pavilion and Yanxiao Pavilion is immense." Indeed, the new place was more than twice the size and far more luxurious.
The entrance to the inner chamber of Qianqiu Pavilion led to a dining and reception area. To the left was the bedroom, separated by a translucent curtain and a folding screen. The dining area had a back door leading to a veranda, designed for the master to sit and feed the fish, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
It took an hour to move everything. After the final batch of dowry chests was placed under Madam Feng's direction, she bowed to Chu Lianruo, who was seated on the couch. "Concubine Chu, it seems His Highness truly cares for you, arranging such a refined residence. The new servants sent here are carefully selected. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, please let me know, and I’ll make sure it’s taken care of."
"Thank you for your hard work, Madam Feng," Chu Lianruo said, signaling Siwei, who handed a bag of silver fragments to Madam Feng. "This is for you and the other helpers."
Madam Feng accepted the silver with thanks and tactfully left.
"Concubine, should I move this vase to the outer room? It seems out of place here," Siwei suggested, pointing to a large porcelain vase.
Chu Lianruo nodded lightly, leaning back and watching the two maids organize the room. Cenzhou, a wealthy southern region known for its beautiful women, had raised delicate and graceful girls. Her father, the governor of Cenzhou, had ensured her dowry was impressive, even though she was an illegitimate daughter marrying a prince as a concubine.
After lunch, Chu Lianruo gathered the four new maids, gave them names, and lazily instructed them to work diligently, rewarding them with some silver before dismissing them.
She sent Siwei and Siyu to the main kitchen to fetch ingredients and starch for making pastries. With a small kitchen in Qianqiu Pavilion, they could prepare their own food.
After they left, she walked to the veranda and sat down, watching the fish in the lake swim freely. This was her third day in the mansion, though it felt like three months. Her father had only taught her to be a graceful and cultured lady, learning music, chess, calligraphy, painting, embroidery, and etiquette, never anything else. She felt lost about her future in the palace.
She recalled the stories of women who won the emperor's favor, all described as naturally stunning beauties. The image of the red-clad man she had met at Jinghu flashed before her eyes. He had a face that could bring down a country, but something was missing.
She frowned, thinking about the concubine named Ruhua and her impressive skill in changing her demeanor.
"Men are attracted by beauty but fall in love with character and spirit."
"Beauty and spirit..." Chu Lianruo murmured to herself.
Men might be initially drawn to a beautiful face, but without depth and character, even the most beautiful face would eventually become boring.
No one understood men better than the women in the brothels.
With this thought, Chu Lianruo began to form a plan in her mind.
After her usual afternoon nap, Chu Lianruo had the maids prepare some pastries according to her instructions, placed them in a food box, and, guided by the pavilion maids, went to thank Prince Ling. She learned he was in his study, Mingyi Pavilion, but she unexpectedly ran into him halfway there, turning a corner.
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