Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 168 Concubine Yu's Request

After mid-February, Prince Jin appeared less frequently in the rear palace, spending most of his time handling affairs in the front palace after court sessions. The atmosphere in the inner quarters of the Prince's residence also became inexplicably tense.

During this period, Ruizhu seemed unusually busy.

That day, after accompanying Consort Zhen to pay her respects at Ruyi Palace, while Consort Zhen was having breakfast, Ruizhu chattered away about the news she had gathered over the past few days.

"Granny Gui, who served the Princess, visited the Begonia Courtyard the day after the Princess's wedding. She heard from Orchid, who served Concubine Wu, that the Princess had rewarded Concubine Wu with some fabric, and Concubine Yu had also received the same reward."

My concubine prefers quiet and has rarely left her room since entering the mansion last year. Even her maid, Xia'er, spends all her time in the side hall of the Begonia Courtyard, except for going to the kitchen to collect her meals each day.

Concubine Wu has personally delivered refreshments to the front hall several times in the past few days, but she hasn't even seen the Prince.

After listening, Mengzhu unusually retorted with sarcasm:

“Since our concubine and the princess entered the manor, the prince has not visited the Begonia Courtyard. Everyone knows that the prince has been busy with official duties these days, and the princess rarely takes the initiative to disturb him. But she is so tactless. Now it seems that she is not as composed as Concubine Yu.”

After piecing together the fragmented information in her mind, Ruizhu added, "Concubine Wu's dance was exquisite, and Concubine Yu was gentle and considerate. I heard from Granny Gong that the Prince did indeed favor her a few times initially. However, after each time they finished serving each other, Granny Lu from Cunxin Palace would personally bring her a bowl of contraceptive soup..."

Hua Yan said, "The title of concubine sounds nice, but it is no different from that of a concubine. There is no rank or position. Before the princess has no children, the concubine has no chance to have children."

"But have you heard any other news?"

Consort Zhen put down her spoon and picked up the cup of tea that Mingyue handed her to rinse her mouth.

"I don't want to ask others about the situation in the front hall, but Granny Yu from the kitchen has been looking preoccupied these past few days. She has sent people to deliver messages to the head of the front hall's ceremonial guard several times."

Hua Yan's mind stirred slightly. Prince Jin had been busy overturning the case of the Duke of Qing's mansion recently. Just as Madam Yun had said, these former members of the Duke's mansion still missed their former master even after more than ten years.

Consort Zhen rose, showing little interest in the matter. Supported by Hua Yan, she entered the study, then suddenly turned and said, "Judging by the days, the people Mother sent to the southwest should be returning soon."

"I have something to discuss with Brother Zhu this afternoon. If there is any news then, Madam should send a message."

Zhu Zi is the eldest son of Aunt Mei and Fang Da. He now lives in the front courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, which makes it more convenient for him to go out and do errands. He is responsible for managing the dowry of the concubines and the account books of the estate and shops are also delivered to Yunyi Palace on time through him.

At noon, Hua Yan went alone to the side gate connecting to the front hall, where Zhu Zi was already waiting.

After receiving the account book from last month, Hua Yan handed a letter addressed to Huan Yun to Zhu Zi, and the two spent about fifteen minutes together.

When they returned to Yunyi Palace, Xiao Yuanzi was carefully carrying a food box out the door. After greeting Hua Yan, he hurried to Cunxin Palace. As Hua Yan stepped into the palace, she saw Donggua leaning against the door frame of the warm pavilion, staring blankly at something.

"What's going on here?"

Donggua snapped out of his daze, took the account book from Huayan's hand, and handed her a hand warmer that had just had its charcoal changed.

"The concubine is taking a midday rest now. Let's bring the account books over later."

The two walked side by side along the corridor back to their room. Donggua closed the door and shivered. "It's almost March, but it feels colder than when it snowed before the New Year."

Hua Yan pulled her closer and asked with concern, "Late spring cold snaps are always like this. You usually work in the tea room, so it's no wonder you feel cold when you suddenly go out. I noticed you were looking downcast the other day, but who upset you?"

"No, not at all. I got along well with Chun'er in the tea room, it's just..."

Winter Melon stretched out her chubby palm and said regretfully, "We don't have a small kitchen in our courtyard. The skills my master taught me will become rusty over time. Second Concubine... has not had much of an appetite lately. She only ate a small bite of the chestnut cake that was sent from the kitchen yesterday."

"I was just about to tell you that the chestnut cakes sent by the kitchen were not as good as those made by Steward An. Our concubine has been extremely particular about food since she was a child."

"Granny Yu is a kind and honest woman. I'll go with you later to borrow the stove for a few coins. After that, you can go over every now and then to make some of the snacks our concubine likes."

She could also take this opportunity to get acquainted with Granny Yu. Hua Yan always felt that there was something hidden in the case of the Duke of Qing's mansion, otherwise, even if Prince Jin did his best, there would be no need to bring together the old people in the mansion.

Donggua's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea! How come I didn't think of that?"

Thinking of the news that Madam Yun brought today, Hua Yan added, "Also, before tomorrow evening, make a plate of persimmon-shaped dough balls, and then pick some of your specialties. Make sure the longevity peaches are made to look nice, as I will need them later."

“Chun’er is familiar with Granny Yu, so I’ll go with her in a bit. Let’s make some chestnut cakes first. If we have lotus root starch, I’ll also make a plate of lotus root starch and osmanthus cake for the Second Miss. Although the dough cakes are a bit troublesome, it should be fine to prepare them in advance today.”

"Wipe your drool. Second Miss is now Consort Zhen. Don't call her by the wrong name in front of outsiders."

Hua Yan smiled and reminded him, then solemnly added, "There is another thing to remember. The Prince's kitchen is in charge of all matters related to food supply, so you must not be careless in anything. When making desserts, you must not leave in the middle. It is best to make them when the nanny is present. If there are any leftover ingredients after you finish making them, remember to bring them back."

Donggua nodded, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

As Donggua excitedly went out, Huayan sat by the window, her mind filled with the news that Madam Yun had sent someone back from the southwest.

"So Madame Chiang wasn't his first wife. That makes sense now, but..."

Inside the main hall.

The concubine's expression was solemn. "...But after Madam Jiang became the second wife of the General's family, she suffered two miscarriages in the past ten years, and her only son died young. It's too strange."

Mengzhu continued, "The first two times I slipped and fell, that was one thing, but the second time it happened again... I really don't know what to say..."

Hua Yan had been pondering for a long time, and said in a deep voice:

"The Lin family has been in the medicinal herb business for generations. How could ordinary medicine methods escape her eyes? There was no way to find out what secrets were involved. But if we calculate the time carefully, the princess was only seven or eight years old at that time. Even if it was her doing, there must have been other people helping her."

So many years have passed, Madame Chiang Kai-shek is probably aware of this, and her ability to live peacefully suggests she has her own plans. For now, all we need to know is that the Princess and Madame Chiang harbor resentment.”

The concubine whispered, "Very well, if Mother hadn't specifically investigated, we would never have been able to tell that they weren't biological mother and daughter when we met at the poetry gathering and Guangci Temple last year."

Ruizhu lifted the curtain and entered, "Reporting to the Consort, I, your concubine, am requesting an audience outside the palace."

Supported by Xia'er, Concubine Yu slowly entered the hall and bowed to the concubine sitting at the head of the table.

"Greetings to Consort Zhen."

After Concubine Yu sat down, Mengzhu served tea with a tea tray. Concubine Yu nodded slightly, her round face full of polite distance.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yu's concubine turned to look at Xia'er, who stepped forward carrying a tray covered with a red silk cloth.

"Sister Zhen, I have come today to ask you for a favor."

The day after tomorrow is Consort Hui's birthday; I presume my elder sister has already received the imperial invitation. I am of lowly status, but I have often been favored by Consort Hui while in the palace, and therefore I have embroidered some of the handkerchiefs and brooches that Consort Hui often uses.

"May I trouble you, sister, to pass this on to Her Majesty when you go to the palace?"