Consort Shu

CH 22: Flirt~Tease

　　When Hong Xi returned after delivering the crystal osmanthus cake, besides bringing back the ointment rewarded by the Emperor, she also smiled and said to Shen Moyun, "Steward Jiang has received it. I observed from the sidelines, and Steward Jiang's tone has become much more polite than the previous days."

Shen Moyun nodded, not particularly surprised, and inquired about another matter, "Who in Changle Palace is restless? Have you two identified any?"

Hong Xi replied, "Both me and Jin Se remember clearly. We will not neglect any matters concerning Niangniang."

Hearing this, Shen Moyun finally showed her first happy smile in these days, and praised, "Very good, you've worked hard. Today, the small kitchen has made some new desserts, but they're too sweet for my taste. You can take them and share with Jin Se." Jin Se was currently tidying her clothes next door, so the desserts could be given to Hong Xi first, and then divided later.

"Thank you for the reward Master," Hong Xi said with joy in her eyes, and respectfully bowed. This gesture indicated that Consort Shu had begun to regard her as her own person.

Shen Moyun continued, "Summon Du An to come in."

"Yes."

Not long after Hong Xi left, Du An entered. After paying his respects, he silently stood aside, waiting for instructions.

　　Shen Moyun didn't rush to speak, but instead sized him up for a moment. He had well-defined features and looked quite honest and simple. However, when she thought about Hong Xi's words, her brows furrowed slightly but she quickly relaxed them. She asked, "His Majesty left the banquet hastily last night. Do you know the reason?"

Du An replied with his head bowed, "This servant heard that an urgent report arrived from the Ministry of War. It is said that the border is in a state of emergency. It seems that General Zhenyuan has encountered some trouble. As for other details, this servant is not aware."

This answer didn't hold much significance. With a bit of effort, even a little palace maid could gather such information. Shen Moyun felt a bit disappointed. It seemed that the eunuch in charge would need to be replaced. She didn't want to keep a potential troublemaker around. Her smile remained unchanged as she said, "Alright, you may leave."

Du An stole a glance at Shen Moyun, feeling somewhat uneasy. He wanted to say something, but in the end, he silently retreated.

By reading a book and playing chess, time flew by quickly. Just as it was time to light the lamps, Jian Rong suddenly came in to report, "Niangniang, His Majesty has arrived."

Shen Moyun smiled faintly, handing the book in her hand to Suyue to put away. Then she stood up and said, "Welcome His Majesty." As she stepped out of the hall door, her face changed into a surprised expression mixed with joy. She gracefully bowed and said, "This concubine pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well."

Yuwen Xi couldn't help but help her up and, as they entered the room he chuckled, "I came without prior notice this time. I hope I didn't startle you."

　　Shen Moyun spoke softly, "That time I was rash. Why does Your Majesty always bring up that matter?"

Yuwen Xi walked into the room and happened to see the painting scroll spread out on the table that hadn't been folded yet. He walked over to take a look and asked. "Does Beloved Consort like Liu Yu's paintings?" Spread out on the table was a meticulous painting of a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, exquisite and beautiful in color.

"Hmm..." Shen Moyun thought for a moment and said, "I don't dislike them. Actually, I feel that Liu Yu's paintings are luxurious but lack grandeur."

Yuwen Xi didn't appreciate these intricate and complex techniques. Upon hearing this, he slightly raised the corners of his mouth and said, "Liu Yu's painting skills are not bad, but he is too focused on technique and neglects the artistic conception that the painting itself requires, resulting in beauty without charm. Since Beloved Consort likes grandeur, I will have someone send Dong Ruoching's Ink Plum Blossom painting to Changle Palace for you to appreciate tomorrow."