The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 226 - Fair Distribution of Rain and Dew

Pu'an Hall.

This is the residence of the Empress Dowager in Lingxi Garden. With the Mid-Autumn Festival having just passed and the Double Ninth Festival approaching, there was no need to return.

Ning Chen meant that this year's Double Ninth Festival would also be celebrated in the garden.

"Fuzhi, has Jishun returned?"

The Empress Dowager knelt in front of the Buddha statue, the sandalwood beads in her hands making a faint sound as they were pinched.

"She's been gone for a while now; I estimate she'll be back in about the time it takes to brew a pot of tea. Let this servant help you up to rest," said Fu Momo.

The Empress Dowager nodded and reached out, allowing her to assist her in standing up.

As she got up, she unconsciously leaned on her knee and frowned.

"I truly am getting old. After that fall, my knee has gotten worse. Kneeling for a while has made it sore."

"I'll go get some medicated plaster for you to apply," Fu Momo said with concern.

"Yes, that plaster is quite effective. It feels warm when applied. I remember we don't have much left, do we? Tell Jishun to bring some more," the Empress Dowager said as she sat back in her chair.

Her legs were particularly uncomfortable on rainy days. It had been over half a year since the incident, yet she still felt it hadn't healed properly.

Drinking bowl after bowl of medicinal soup was not as effective as the plaster.

Although it was a folk remedy brought into the palace, the imperial physician had examined it and confirmed there were no issues; it indeed worked well.

Whenever she felt unwell, applying it for a couple of hours would alleviate her symptoms.

"Your Majesty, this servant has returned."

As the two were talking, they heard footsteps outside and saw Jishun enter, sweating.

"The garden is large, and my pace is not as quick as it used to be. I apologize for returning late; please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"It's no trouble. I am not young anymore; you and Fuzhi are a few years older than I am," the Empress Dowager waved her hand. "Did you bring the things?"

Jishun wiped away a sweat, nodded, and handed over the Imperial Harem Conduct Record.

The Empress Dowager began from the time in June when she entered the garden, and at a glance, it was obvious that it was Ming Xiurong. She couldn't help but frown.

As she flipped through, most of the entries were from Yi Xiuyuan, and there were a few from An Shi, who was now a Cainu, along with entries for Fang Xiuyuan, Xia Meiren, and Cui Baolin.

After flipping through for a while, suddenly there were all the records of Ye Yun serving the Emperor.

Up until today, counting carefully, Ye Yun had the most entries.

"Since Su Yu has been in the garden for so long, hasn't she served the Emperor at all?"

Closing the book, the Empress Dowager's expression turned sour.

Jishun knew this question would arise, so he could only brace himself and reply, "I've inquired, and the Emperor has not gone to see Chen Jieyu. As for Chen Jieyu... she doesn't seem to like coming out much."

"Useless thing!" The Empress Dowager slammed the table, "I've been patient for her future, and yet she is so disappointing. The Emperor doesn't go to her, but won't she go to Jingqian Palace? Or is it that the Emperor won't even see her?"