A Mistaken Marriage Match: Mysteries in the Imperial Harem

Chapter 32: Imperial Generosity To A Favourite

Within Ling Yun Palace, Chen Zhen was lying on the couch reading when a palace maid softly entered the room and stopped by Wu-er's side, softly saying, "Older sister Wu-er, Concubine Qing is outside asking for an audience."

Chen Zhen looked up from her book, scaring the palace maid into kneeling down. Imperial Concubine Hui prefer quietness and usually her Ladyship's temperament was really good but one must never to disturb her when she is reading or resting. The palace maid was so scared that she was shaking. Wu-er waved her hands at her and the palace maid immediately retreated out.

What is she doing here? Chen Zhen's brow knitted and Wu-er spoke, "This servant will reply her saying that your Ladyship has yet to wake up."

When Wu-er was almost at the door, Chen Zhen suddenly voiced out, "No need, invite her in."

"Yes." Even if Wu-er was reluctant to do it, she did not dare to go against Chen Zhen's wishes thus she could only go out to welcome Qing Feng in.

When Qing Feng entered the house, she saw Chen Zhen half lying on the couch, without any signs of wanting to get up. Qing Feng walked to her and gave a bow and greeting, "Qing Feng greets your Ladyship Imperial Concubine Hui."

Chen Zhen pulled the blanket over to cover up her body and softly replied, "No need to be too polite. After one enters the Inner Palace, one is the Emperor's women. We should refer to one another as sisters."

Qing Feng secretly raised her eyebrow, the females in the Inner Palace indeed really like to refer one another as "sisters". The last time when the Empress said it, Qing Feng was dismissive but this time Qing Feng obediently replied, "As what older sister says."

Looking around Ling Yun Palace, Qing Feng smiled, "Older sister's place is furnished really elegantly and refined." Qing Feng's words were not half-heartedly at all. Chen Zhen's place was indeed fitting to be called "elegant and refined". The spacious main hall, the plain white curtains swaying with the wind, a painting of irises and orchids were hanged in the position facing the door, a large comfortable slightly tilting bed couch was placed beside the opened window and there was a mid-height bookshelf place beside it. Chen Zhen was lying by her side on the soft couch, looking sleepy but not losing her elegance. Qing Feng silently sighed,this is a female which one will feel comfortable at sight. It is just that maybe she was thoroughly ill, as she still wore a long shawl in the midsummer morning and cover herself to the chest with a thin blanket.

Chen Zhen smile faintly, "I'm flattered."

Qing Feng's gaze stopped at a koi embroidery in front of the window and her eyes slightly narrowed. Qing Feng walked over and lightly touched the delicate silk. Qing Feng was entranced with it as Chen Zhen slowly sat up and said, "Younger sister is also interested in embroidery?"

This silk was extremely familiar. Covering the suspicions in her heart, Qing Feng looked at the embroidered koi and smiled, "I was only sighing about older sister's skill. The ability to sew such intricate embroidery on such valuable type of silk really make this younger sister feel incompetent. Anyway to be able to have this thin of silk, it is indeed uncommon. Presumably a rare item."

"This is not anything exotic as the Weaving Department will make a few bouts every quarter. It is just that this material is too thin for clothes and too delicate for handkerchief thus the mistresses of every palace doesn't like to use it. Only I love its fine and soft texture as it is best for embroidery. If younger sister likes it, then do take some of it."

"Then many thanks for it older sister." Qing Feng secretly watched Chen Zhen's expression, gentle and natural. Could it be that she has thought too much into it?