The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort

151 - 152

Chapter 151 : Princess He Yi

Jing Zhu Yuan had remained immaculate for many years.

When Princess Yuan Rong was fourteen years old, the late Emperor opened up a parcel of land in the palace and turned it into a magnificent courtyard that was later given to her as a gift for her hairpin (coming-of-age) ceremony.

Even after she died, the garden remained though it had not been not completely renovated before Princess Yuan Rong was married off to another kingdom. Yet, its landscape remained in excellent condition - following the late Emperor's passing, Empress Dowager Yi De had continued to send workers to keep it in pristine condition.

However, despite the beauty of the garden, Empress Dowager Yi De had never set foot in it; seeing it might make her miss its owner, instilling guilt and remorse in her heart. As a result, Jing Zhu Yuan had become a one-of-a-kind presence in the palace: it was tended to every day but remained desolate.

The desolation of Jing Zhu Yuan wa" changed by the arrival of Jiang Lisa , who inherited many of Princess Yuan Rong's privileges including the ability to freely stroll the Jing Zhu Yuan. It should be noted that the late Emperor was very fond of Princess Yuan Rong. Every spot in Jing Zhu Yuan was exquisite: there was even a book pavilion, a study, and a small courtyard for people to relax in.

Even though the princess palace was only a short distance away from Jing Zhu Yuan, Jiang Lisa only went there on rare occasions.

At present, a palace maid walked towards Jing Zhu Yuan, holding a small basket. Seeing her heading towards Jing Zhu Yuan while holding it, she most likely wanted to go there to pick flowers. Jiang Lisa had recently learned how to blend incense and frequently requested that the maids of the princess palace go into Jing Zhu Yuan to collect some flower petals. Occasionally, young eunuchs and palace maids assisted and received rewards.

Today, the palace maid was halfway there when she was abruptly stopped by someone. "Stop!"

When the maid looked back, she probably didn't recognise the other person. It took the maid a moment to realise that the person was none other than Princess He Yi.

Princess He Yi rushed over, inspecting the flower basket in the hand of the palace maid. "Where are you going?" she asked, frowning.

"Hong'an Junzhu gave this servant the task of collecting petals in Jing Zhu Yuan." The palace maid answered with her head bowed.

"Oh, Jing Zhu Yuan." Princess He Yi's expression suddenly changed. "All right, go then."

The palace maid gave Princess He Yi a surprised glance. She had not anticipated how easy the domineering princess would be to deal with today. However, it was a blessing in disguise, and she quickly scooped up the flower basket and bowed to Princess He Yi before leaving.

The palace maid was unaware that Princess He Yi had not left, but instead remained in place observing the direction of her departure, and followed discreetly until the palace maid turned down a long corridor, went inside a manor and disappeared from view.

Princess He Yi smoothed her dress. Today, she wore a simple blue brocade gown. This was already quite simple for her, who had always favoured golden and resplendent attire. Her face was bare and completely unlike her usual appearance. Thus, at first glance, she was not easily identifiable.

She straightened her dress with an odd smile on her face and followed the palace maid to enter the courtyard.

The courtyard appeared to be unguarded. It was exquisitely decorated, just as stated in the rumours. Princess He Yi was unable to conceal her resentment. She overheard the women in the palace discussing Jing Zhu Yuan when she was a child. She had pleaded with the Emperor for it, but the Emperor, who had always indulged her, declined. Princess He Yi had a resolute temper. She never returned after learning that Jing Zhu Yuan was off-limits and pretended that there was no such place in the palace. Who knew that even though Jiang Lisa did not receive the garden, Empress Dowager Yi De allowed her to come inside and take a stroll? Wasn't it, in Princess He Yi's view, a humiliation? Her hatred for Jiang Lisa grew stronger. Jiang Lisa had always robbed her of everything she liked and desired.