The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 209 - The Despicable Aspect

Ever since the unpleasant encounter in Jiaotang Courtyard, Ning Chen had been sulking in Jingqian Palace, not stepping out at all.

For the past half month, only Fang Xiuyuan, Yi Xiuyuan, Xia Meiren, and Cui Baolin had seen the Emperor's countenance.

It seemed that the previously favored Ye Yun had lost her favor overnight.

However, this time, Ye Yun was determined not to lower her head first; she wanted the Emperor to come and coax her.

Having made up her mind, Ye Yun was not at all flustered. She spent her days leisurely walking her dog and reading, feeling quite free.

One evening, the sunset clouds outside were particularly beautiful, a stunning sight that made it hard to look away.

Ye Yun sat in her room, gazing out the window, and suddenly felt like going for a walk.

"Huiyue, let's take a stroll by the lotus pond."

"Sure! If Jieyu goes for a walk and comes back, it will be just in time for dinner. I heard from Bai Zhu that some of the lotus pods in the pond are ripe for picking; the tender lotus pods are especially sweet," Huiyue replied with a smile.

If their mistress didn't go out, the maidservants also couldn't casually roam around; they had been cooped up for half a month.

Ye Yun smiled and stood up, "Since you're thinking about it, have Bai Zhu find a few people to pick some when we come back. But first, help me change into something more comfortable; it's unlikely we'll run into anyone, so simple and comfortable will do."

"Then how about wearing that moonlight satin dress? It's both elegant and simple."

Huiyue responded and went to fetch the clothes, while Nanzhi helped Ye Yun style her hair into a simple bun.

July's heat was no joke; Ye Yun found it too hot and had her hair pinned up high in a spiral bun, adorned with two fluffy flowers and a jade hairpin.

Once they were ready, the group made their way to the lotus pond.

As expected, the lakeside was cool; the breeze from the water was refreshing.

"Jieyu, look! Those lotus pods are quite large; they can be picked now," Nanzhi pointed to a spot.

It wasn't far from the shore, and with a little effort, they could easily reach them.

Seeing this, Ye Yun was interested and called for Bai Zhu to pick them.

Since they had planned to pick lotus pods, they naturally brought along tools: a small curved knife tied to a long bamboo pole, with a net supported by iron wire at the bottom. As long as they cut the lotus pod's stem, it would fall into the net for retrieval.

However, although the tools were ready, Bai Zhu was still inexperienced in using them.

Hui Yue and Nan Zhi anxiously guided him from the side, while Lu Zhi, with her lively personality, eagerly tried to grab the tools to do it herself. Nian Gao also joined in, circling around Bai Zhu's legs while calling out.

Bai Zhu was surrounded in the middle, and even his hat was pulled askew from all the tugging. He couldn't help but shout out in exasperation, "Oh dear ladies, can you give me a break? I'm getting dizzy from all the running around!"

This made Ye Yun laugh in amusement as well. For a moment, the group of master and servants was in a joyful uproar, having a great time.

Fortunately, hard work paid off, and Bai Zhu finally managed to catch one.

The lotus seed pod wasn't very large, but there was enough to share, so they had a few maids break it apart, each getting a little piece.

Ye Yun also peeled one and took a bite; it was sweet and juicy, refreshing, and not greasy at all.