pdf-ebookys Chapter 242 Consort Fucha
Chapter 242 Consort Fucha
Qingying stood quietly in a corner of the Imperial Garden, like a forgotten flower, lonely and forlorn.
Her eyes were dull and lifeless, revealing a deep sense of loss.
She sighed softly, a sigh that seemed to carry all her resentment and helplessness.
She knew that her heart had already been captivated by the Sixth Prince, Hongchang.
That faint feeling, like a spring breeze, gently brushed across her heart.
That casual reminder made Qingying realize that Hongchang might also have some feelings for her.
However, at this moment, she could not even find his figure.
Apart from the Imperial Garden, all other places were forbidden territory for Qingying, and she could not set foot there at will.
She could only silently wait here, hoping to bump into him unexpectedly.
Unconsciously, Qingying softly recited her favorite lines of poetry again:
"We met from afar, though separated by a wall and a horse, and the moment we met, I knew my heart was broken."
This line of poetry seems to be a true reflection of her innermost feelings.
Just then, a soft footstep sound came from behind her.
Qingying felt a sudden surge of joy, as if a ray of dawn had appeared in the darkness.
She quickly turned around, a bright smile unconsciously blooming on her face.
However, when she saw the person's face clearly, her smile instantly froze on her face.
It was as if time had stopped flowing at that moment.
Standing before her was not the Sixth Prince Hongchang, whom she longed for.
Hongli asked, "Which palace maid are you from, and why are you lingering in the Imperial Garden?"
Qingying was startled by Hongli's question and quickly looked up.
Upon closer inspection, the man before them was handsome and imposing.
Although he was slightly inferior to the Sixth Prince Hongchang, he was still considered a handsome and talented man.
Qingying steadied herself, took a deep breath, and then slowly curtsied and said:
"Replying to Your Excellency, I am a second-class palace maid of Yanxi Palace, named Qingying."
After saying that, she raised her head again, her gaze meeting Hongli's, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
Hongli raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
He carefully examined Qingying, noticing that although she was dressed as a palace maid, her refined and elegant demeanor was still evident.
Especially those eyes, like a clear spring, clear and lively.
Compared to those dull palace maids, they were worlds apart.
Hongli's heart stirred, and he became somewhat interested in this palace maid named Qingying.
He thought to himself, "Yanxi Palace?"
I heard that the person living there now is Consort Zhao, who is quite favored by the Emperor. She must be a stunning beauty.
"Father Emperor is truly blessed; he has power, beauty, and everything else he could want."
Wang Qin, standing beside Hongli, had originally seen Qingying strolling leisurely in the Imperial Garden.
I was about to scold her for being lazy.
However, when he saw Hongli's reaction, he immediately understood.
Knowing what Hongli was thinking, he wisely kept his mouth shut and decided not to say anything more.
Qingying felt Hongli's gaze fall on her, and couldn't help but feel uneasy.
She lowered her head, not daring to meet Hongli's gaze.
Because she felt that Hongli's gaze seemed to penetrate her heart and know all her thoughts.
Hongli remained silent for a moment, then a slight smile appeared on his lips, making him difficult to read.
He said softly, "Your palace maid is quite interesting."
"We gaze at each other from afar, from over the wall and on horseback; one glance and I know my heart breaks." This poem is quite good.
"Have you been to school?"
Qingying was startled; she had never expected that Hongli would notice the poem she had recited.
In the palace, palace maids were usually not allowed to learn to read, let alone study.
Qingying raised her head slightly and answered in a tone that was both shy and firm:
"Replying to Your Excellency, although I am merely a palace maid..."
However, he had learned some characters and read a few books at home from a young age.
This poem is Bai Juyi's "Drawing a Silver Bottle from the Bottom of a Well".
I simply found the words and phrases beautiful, and thus memorized them deeply.
Later, due to a misfortune that befell her family, they fell into poverty, and the maidservant had no choice but to enter the palace.
Unexpectedly, Qingying possessed some talent, which made Hongli admire her even more.
Upon hearing Qingying mention that her family had fallen on hard times, Hongli felt a surge of pity for her.
Seeing Qingying addressing him as "noble person" repeatedly,
Hongli thought to himself that she probably didn't know his true identity.
So Hongli spoke up, saying, "Your Highness is the Fourth Prince, Hongli."
Upon hearing this, Qingying was startled and immediately bowed again, saying respectfully:
"Qingying greets the Fourth Prince. May the Fourth Prince be blessed."
Hongli was very pleased to see Qingying's polite manners, but he said aloud:
"No need for formalities. Judging from the way you recite poetry, I know you are a person who loves reading."
"I also love reading, so you could say we're destined to meet."
Upon hearing this, Qingying felt a surge of joy. She slightly raised her head.
A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he said softly:
"Does the Fourth Prince also like reading?"
Before I entered the palace, I enjoyed reading poetry and prose, but after entering the palace, I was burdened with many trivial matters and had little time to read.
Hongli smiled slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes:
"Oh? Then tell me, what other poems do you like?"
Qingying thought for a moment, then said softly:
"This servant also likes Su Shi's 'Prelude to Water Melody: When Will the Moon Be Bright?'"
May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart.
I find this line of poetry particularly beautiful; it conveys a sense of open-mindedness and warmth.
Hongli nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes:
"Indeed, Su Shi's poem has a profound artistic conception."
"For a palace maid like you to possess such insight is truly remarkable."
Qingying smiled slightly, her eyes revealing a hint of humility:
"Fourth Prince, you flatter me. I simply feel that poetry can soothe the soul."
So I read it in my spare time.
Hongli nodded, his gaze lingering on Qingying for a moment, as if he were pondering something.
After a moment, he smiled slightly and said:
"Qingying, since you enjoy reading, then read more in the future."
If there's anything you don't understand, you can come and ask me.
Qingying exclaimed in surprise, "Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Fourth Prince!"
Seeing her so surprised and delighted, Hongli was pleased.
They were also more interested in teasing the young palace maid in front of them.
Qingying was filled with excitement and anticipation. She quickly curtsied and respectfully said:
"Qingying thanks the Fourth Prince for his kindness, and will remember it forever."
Hongli smiled slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "Alright, then you may go. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."
After saying that, he left with Wang Qin.
As Qingying watched Hongli's departing figure, she felt a little disappointed, but even more so, she was filled with anticipation for the future.
She knew that her feelings for Hongchang might just be a dream that would end without fruition.
But the appearance of Hongli gave her new hope.
From then on, Qingying often read in the Imperial Garden.
Hongli would often come to see her and chat with her.
From poetry and songs to philosophy of life
The relationship between the two gradually became closer.