The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort (Chapters 1- 203)

Chapter 104 : A Strong Return!

Translated by : Moondancer

Edited by : Anks & Ely

**********

The apricot trees were covered in spring blossoms. A limestone table was placed beneath their branches, and on it sat a cup of fragrant tea and delicate lotus cakes on a butterfly-shaped jade plate. It appeared very inviting. Then the breeze blew and petals fell like snowflakes onto a figure.

In the imperial ancestral temple, a person wore pitch black robes while gazing at the weiqi[1] game laid out. With one hand holding black stones and the other holding white, it was clear that they were playing against themselves. Because their head was lowered, one could only see, outlined by simple clothes, a slender figure showing the fullness of womanhood, a delicate waist, and long and slender legs. It was a pleasing sight to look at even from a distance.

[1] Weiqi (围棋): also known as Go (Japanese). A two-player strategy board game with the goal of capturing territory.

A young girl dressed as a maid trotted over with a sweet smile, calling: "Miss, Miss."

The girl in black moved her brows slightly, causing the two slightly older maids at her side to glare at the girl as she approached. "Lu Zhu, why are you acting impudent like this again? Lower your voice, otherwise you'll disturb Miss."

Lu Zhu poked out her tongue. Compared to her naive and innocent self of three years ago, she had now grown up and become even more lovable and smart. She slowed down and went to the girl in black. "This servant was too excited. Everything has been packed and the Empress Dowager has ordered us to depart early tomorrow morning."

Once she had placed the last stone, the girl in black raised her head to reveal a face so beautiful it seemed otherworldly. Though she wore only simple clothing, it couldn't obscure her gorgeous beauty. The slightly childish face of the past was now thinner and only the size of a hand. Her eyes were clear and moist like a flowing spring, resembling transparent amber. Crimson lips, white teeth, and loose hair in a simple bun gave off a lazy charm.

At her side, Lian Qiao fell into a daze. Her mistress was already born with good looks,and after growing up a bit, she had become so beautiful that even the maids who served by her side every day could not get used to it. She did not know what kind of furor it would cause when they arrived at the capital and thinking of this made her feel a little uneasy. Excessive beauty wasn't necessarily a good thing, especially when they were unable to protect it. But on second thought, there was Empress Dowager Yi De protecting them, so things shouldn't go too wrong.

Jiang Ruan softly smiled. "It's already been three years."

Time passed by like running water. For the past three years, she'd followed the Empress Dowager to recite sutras and practice meditation at the imperial ancestral temple. She accompanied the Empress Dowager every day. Because she had great patience, she did not become impatient like an ordinary girl when she listened to the monks chanting the scriptures, making Empress Dowager Yi De very satisfied. Over the past three years, she had made herself indispensable to Empress Dowager bit by bit. By tacitly pleasing her, she slowly gained Empress Dowager Yi De's acceptance, and although she wasn't Princess Yuan Rong, the Empress Dowager nonetheless treated her like a daughter.